The Philadelphia 76ers’ center, Joel Embiid, is on track to return from his knee surgery for the start of training camp in September. Embiid underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in April, following an injury-filled season that limited the two-time NBA scoring champion to only 19 games. The team president, Daryl Morey, spoke with Embiid before the first round of the NBA draft on Wednesday night, where the 76ers selected Baylor guard VJ Edgecombe with the third overall pick, and expressed optimism about the star’s progress.
The 76ers will begin their training camp early this season, as they will play preseason games in early October against the New York Knicks in the Abu Dhabi Games. The 76ers hope to have Embiid, 31 years old, on the court.He is very committed, attacking the rehabilitation. He is doing everything he can to be on the court. He had a meeting with the surgeon this week. Everything, to use a NASA term, is nominal. Things are going well and as expected, and we hope it continues.
Daryl Morey, Team President
Embiid underwent meniscus surgery on February 6, 2024, days after Golden State forward Jonathan Kuminga fell on his leg. The league MVP in 2023 returned for the playoffs, although he never fully recovered. He was ruled out for the rest of the season at the end of February, after averaging 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists. Embiid had been dealing with injuries throughout the season and served a three-game suspension for shoving a member of the media. Embiid has played only 58 regular season games and seven play-in/playoff games since winning the NBA MVP award in the 2022-23 season. Like Edgecombe, Embiid was also the third overall pick in the 2014 draft. Embiid has dealt with multiple injuries even before entering the NBA. He suffered a stress fracture in his right foot before being drafted from Kansas, which cost him two years. From there, it was a bone bruise here, a meniscus tear there. An orbital bone fracture. A shoulder sprain. Tendonitis. Torn ligaments. Even Bell’s palsy. Embiid admitted he was depressed, and eventually needed therapy, to deal with the effects of his injuries.Things are going well to be ready by those dates.
Daryl Morey, Team President
Injuries also affected the season of other players. Paul George and Tyrese Maxey suffered injury-plagued seasons, and the 76ers had a 24-58 record under coach Nick Nurse.It’s a little difficult when you get to those moments where it’s hard not to feel bad about yourself, especially when you know who you are and what you can achieve, but it’s not like that. A lesson I learned is to try to stop feeling bad about myself and just live day by day. Enjoy the good people around me, the positivity, and not focus on the negativity.
Joel Embiid
