76ers finally see the light at the end of the tunnel after a devastating year

The entire city of Philadelphia let out a collective sigh of relief on Friday, Oct. 17. After a tumultuous year in which a championship favorite crumbled to pieces due to a rush of injuries, including a particularly brutal result for franchise player Joel Embiid, the light at the end of the tunnel appeared.

After appearing in just 19 games in 2024-25, Embiid's long unknown return date has been confirmed: Tonight, via a shocking clearance to return to preseason action.

Embiid has appeared in just 58 regular season games since winning the NBA MVP award and a second career scoring title in 2022-23. Most alarming of all has been the general sense of uncertainty in regard to when he may actually be able to play again.

NBA insider Chris Haynes provided the update 76ers fans have been dreaming of when he revealed that Embiid has been cleared to play in the team's preseason finale on Oct. 17.

Suddenly, the 76ers can see the light at the end of the tunnel after spending the past year facing agonizing uncertainty in regard to the direction of the franchise.

Joel Embiid finally cleared to return to action for 76ers

It's important to note that Embiid's preseason debut doesn't necessarily guarantee that he'll be consistently available in the early stages of the regular season. It's entirely possible that Philadelphia is simply testing how ready his body is to handle the pace and physicality of an NBA game.

The simple fact that he's returning to the court, however, should have 76ers fans grinning from ear to ear—and, more importantly, reveals how close Embiid is to 100 percent.

Philadelphia has been exceedingly cautious with Embiid's return from the arthroscopic surgery he underwent to resolve recurring issues with his left knee. As such, the fact that the medical team would clear him for the preseason finale on Oct. 17 instead of waiting until the regular season opener on Oct. 22 is a promising sign.

The 76ers still have unresolved injury concerns in regard to All-NBA wing Paul George and promising scoring guard Jared McCain, but the value of progress can't be underestimated.

Philadelphia has made significant strides toward building out the rotation with quality players who can complement the stars. That includes productive wings Justin Edwards, Quentin Grimes, and Trendon Watford, promising young rim protector Adem Bona, and captivating rookie V.J. Edgecombe.

Rounded out by All-Stars in George and Tyrese Maxey, and veterans such as Eric Gordon, Kyle Lowry, and Kelly Oubre Jr., Philadelphia has the talent to compete in the Eastern Conference.

76ers can finally begin to explore the true potential of the rotation

For as strong as that unit may be, the 76ers are an entirely different team when Embiid is in the lineup. He's not just a productive center capable of providing value, but a former MVP who checks the rare box of legitimate dominance.

More importantly, Embiid is a player who factors into every element of how the 76ers aspire to execute on either end of the floor.

That's reflected statistically, as Embiid posted averages of 32.5 points, 11.0 rebounds, 2.0 offensive boards, 4.5 assists, 1.6 blocks, and 1.1 steals per game between 2021-22 and 2023-24. He even knocked down an average of 1.2 three-point field goals per game while shooting at a clip of .525/.361/.846.

In 2023-24, Nick Nurse's first season as head coach of the 76ers, Embiid even averaged 5.6 assists per game—a clear reflection of how important he is to the system the team is aiming to run.

Even if Embiid can't return to an MVP-caliber level on a nightly basis, his peaks will inevitably align with Philadelphia's grander ambitions. Unfortunately, without him on the court, an improved roster has simply been a group of jumbled pieces waiting to discover cohesion.

With Embiid healthy enough to play in the preseason, there's at least reason for optimism that the 76ers' grand plan is finally coming together.