Pivotal Joel Embiid development could be crucial to the 76ers' success this year

Over the years, Philadelphia 76ers fans have grown numb to offseason workout videos. Ben Simmons used to tease the fandom annually with clips that showcased a newfound jump-shooting ability, which never translated to the season. 

Once Simmons was traded, fans swore off investments in workout montages. That was until Joel Embiid content hit a shortage. 

The Philadelphia 76ers have posted footage of Embiid practicing in the past two weeks. Based on the footage, Embiid appears to be leaner than he was in years past with the 76ers’ training camp set to begin later this month. It is yet to be revealed if Embiid will participate, and if so, at what capacity. Some have pointed out that Embiid looked to be doing individual workouts in the media that Philadelphia posted.

This would be huge for Embiid

Embiid has been subjected to many criticisms throughout his storied career, including his weight. The five-time all-star entered the NBA with a slimmer physique and added more size as he progressed. 

However, if the eyes of fans weren't deceived and Embiid has shed some weight, it could be pivotal. With a leaner build, Embiid would relieve pressure on his troublesome left knee and regain agility. This could be transformative as he enters one of the most important stretches of his career. 

Where has Embiid been?

The 2024-25 season was one to forget for Embiid. He never quite recovered from tearing his left meniscus in early 2024 and Philadelphia became conservative with his playing time as a result.

Embiid missed the 76ers’ first six games because of what the team described as “left knee injury management.” Philadelphia was five games below .500 by the time the 2022-23 Most Valuable Player debuted against the New York Knicks on November 12th. 

Amidst Embiid’s absence, the short-handed 76ers dug themselves a hole that couldn't be conquered without a clean bill of health. This put more pressure on Embiid to suit up and he eventually did. The star center played in seven of Philadelphia's 12 games in December.

Still, Embiid was far from the dominant player he was just a calendar year ago. As Philadelphia continued to spiral downwards, it shut down Embiid on February 28th. He totaled just 19 games and averaged less than 24 points per game, which is a decrease of around 11 points from 2023-24. 

Embiid underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his left knee on April 11th and was set to be re-evaluated six weeks from then. However, there is yet to be a publicly revealed timetable for his return.