PHILADELPHIA — Joel Embiid dedicated extra time to his training after the morning shootaround, emphasizing his eagerness to return to the court. After being sidelined this season, the 7-foot center took his time to hone his skills, including free throws, post moves, and jump shots, as he prepared for his highly anticipated season debut against the New York Knicks later that day.
With his suspension now behind him and no longer listed on the injury report, Embiid is set to rejoin a Philadelphia 76ers team that is currently struggling with a record of 2-7, placing them near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. “It’s definitely a significant step forward for us,” said Sixers forward Caleb Martin following the shootaround. “We’re all thrilled to have him back on the team.”
This game marks the first time Embiid will play alongside nine-time All-Star Paul George, who had been absent from the first five games due to a bone bruise. Expectations for the 76ers were high with the anticipated trio of Embiid, George, and fellow All-Star Tyrese Maxey, signaling hopes that they could become one of the leading teams in the Eastern Conference. However, this trio has yet to share the court for a single game due to various circumstances.
Recent performances include a hard-fought overtime victory against Charlotte, yet the 76ers face a daunting challenge as they strive for some semblance of playoff contention. Historically, it’s a tough task—only 20 teams in NBA history have made the playoffs after starting with records of 1-6 or 0-7. In the past 27 years, only three teams, including the 2003-04 Miami Heat and the 2004-05 Chicago Bulls, successfully turned around such a dismal start.
Embiid’s return offers hope for a shift toward a more favorable record. A celebrated seven-time All-Star, he has missed time due to what the team referred to as left knee management along with a three-game suspension. Moreover, Embiid has indicated he will not participate in back-to-back games this season, meaning he will sit out the following matchup against Cleveland, with the next back-to-backs occurring on December 3 and 4 against Charlotte and Orlando, respectively.
Fans who invested significantly in tickets are eager to watch Embiid in action at home, but the organization emphasizes a careful approach regarding his health. The upcoming game against the Hornets and the match against the Knicks are both a part of the NBA Cup round-robin schedule, which complicates matters further.
As the team moves forward, they are committed to managing Embiid’s playtime strategically to ensure he remains fit for a playoff run. Coach Nick Nurse mentioned the importance of weighing in with various stakeholders, including medical staff and the front office, to make informed decisions about Embiid’s game time. “We’re trying to adopt a fresh strategy to ensure he stays healthy for the playoffs,” Nurse noted on opening night.
For now, concerns about Embiid’s health can wait. On Tuesday, the atmosphere was electric at the Wells Fargo Center, with banners celebrating Embiid’s return and teammates, along with fans, excited to witness his first game since he contributed to Team USA’s gold medal win at the Paris Olympics. “Adjustments are part of the process when integrating new players and reuniting existing ones,” Martin commented. “We just have to be ready for whatever surprises come our way.”
This is the nature of the 76ers’ journey this season.