The Philadelphia 76ers are grappling with significant challenges as they prepare for the 2025-26 NBA season, following a disappointing 2024-25 campaign. Injuries to key players, notably forward Paul George and center Joel Embiid, severely hindered the team’s aspirations for a championship last season. General manager Daryl Morey has opted to retain the majority of last year’s roster, with the exception of losing forward Guerschon Yabusele to the New York Knicks in free agency.
Morey remains hopeful that once George and Embiid return to the court, the team can regain its competitive edge. The recent addition of promising rookie guard VJ Edgecombe adds depth to the roster, but the overall lack of frontcourt depth has raised concerns. As the offseason progresses, reports indicate that Embiid’s recovery from a second arthroscopic surgery on his left knee has not gone as planned. According to The Athletic’s Tony Jones, Embiid has yet to resume on-court basketball activities.
Injury Concerns Loom Over Season Preparation
Embiid’s knee issues have persisted since he suffered a significant injury during a game against the Golden State Warriors in January 2024, which sidelined him for much of the previous season. Morey stated that Embiid is “on track” to be healthy for training camp, but the timeline remains uncertain. Jones notes that while there is optimism from the front office regarding Embiid’s availability for the season opener, the reality is that he will need time to regain his conditioning and playing rhythm.
The longer Embiid remains off the court, the more challenging it will be for him to be prepared for the start of the season. The 76ers are counting on their star to not only return but also to perform at a high level. The team’s strategy of building around two of the most injury-prone stars in the league raises questions about their overall viability.
In recent seasons, Embiid has participated in only 35.7% of the available games, which poses a significant risk for a franchise aiming for championship contention. The 76ers must find a way to navigate this uncertainty effectively. The pressure is on Morey to reconsider the long-term viability of their current roster strategy, especially if Embiid faces further setbacks.
Future Prospects for the 76ers
The 76ers do have a promising young core, with talents like guards Tyrese Maxey and Jared McCain emerging as integral parts of the future. This younger generation could provide a solid foundation for the team, but their development hinges on the health of the veterans. If Embiid cannot sustain his performance throughout the season, it may be time for the franchise to reevaluate its commitment to him.
In the competitive landscape of the NBA, relying on the hope that both George and Embiid can remain healthy for an entire season is a precarious position. It is crucial for the team to strike a balance between nurturing young talent and managing the expectations placed on their star players.
As the 2025-26 season approaches, the 76ers must confront the reality of their situation. The franchise has a pivotal decision to make: accept the risk associated with their current roster or pivot towards a more sustainable approach. Without decisive action, the team risks continuing down a path of disappointment in pursuit of greatness.