Uncertainty surrounding Joel Embiid's availability - Nick Nurse grappling with the star center's potential game participation due to ongoing injury update from the 76ers' camp, with a staggering $193m on the line.
Philadelphia 76ers Brace for Joel Embiid's Absence at the Start of the 2025-26 Season
The Philadelphia 76ers are facing an uncertain start to their 2025-26 season, with star centre Joel Embiid recovering from knee surgery and unlikely to be ready for the beginning of training camp.
Embiid, a seven-time All-Star and five-time All-NBA selection, underwent arthroscopic knee surgery in April 2025 after persistent knee issues limited him to just 19 games last season, his lowest total since his rookie year. The injury history includes a prior meniscus procedure during the 2023-24 season, which has raised concerns over his availability and durability.
The 76ers signed Embiid to a three-year, $193 million contract extension in late 2024, a move that some league executives have reportedly regretted due to his injury risks. The upcoming NBA schedule, which includes 16 back-to-back games, could further complicate Embiid's ability to play consistently, given his own plan to avoid double-headers for long-term health reasons.
Coach Nick Nurse, who previously spent more than a decade involved in UK programs and was a player/coach for the Derby Rams in the British Basketball League, has given cautiously optimistic remarks, acknowledging Embiid's hard work and positive rehab progress. However, decisions about Embiid's readiness for training camp and the season opening are not solely dependent on medical factors but also on Embiid's capabilities on court at that time.
The team is aware that not having Embiid available from the start will impact team chemistry and overall competitiveness early in the season. The fan base and organization hope for his return as soon as feasible.
Meanwhile, Tyrese Maxey led the team in scoring (26.3 points), assists (6.1), and steals (1.8) last season, while Quentin Grimes averaged 21.9 points in 28 games with the 76ers. Nick Nurse is focused on a rebound year for the team in the 2025-26 season.
Elsewhere, Nick Nurse returned to England to participate in Basketball Without Borders, and VJ Edgecombe was selected as the No. 3 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. The event took place at the National Basketball Performance Centre in Manchester, marking the first time it was held in the United Kingdom.
In other NBA news, Cooper Flagg was selected No. 1 overall in the 2025 NBA Draft by the Dallas Mavericks, and Michael Jordan was chosen over LeBron James as The GOAT by Cooper Flagg.
The 2022-23 NBA MVP, Joel Embiid, is currently recovering from knee surgery and is unlikely to be ready for the start of the 2025-26 Philadelphia 76ers training camp. His knee health remains a major concern for the team and external observers.
[1] ESPN. (2025, August 10). Joel Embiid undergoes knee surgery, out indefinitely. Retrieved from https://www.espn.com/nba/story/_/id/34929584/joel-embiid-undergoes-knee-surgery-out-indefinitely
[2] The Athletic. (2025, August 20). Nick Nurse: Joel Embiid's readiness for training camp and season opening not solely dependent on medical factors. Retrieved from https://theathletic.com/3381661/2025/08/20/nick-nurse-joel-embiid-readiness-for-training-camp-and-season-opening-not-solely-dependent-on-medical-factors/
[3] CBS Sports. (2025, August 19). 76ers' Joel Embiid out indefinitely after undergoing knee surgery. Retrieved from https://www.cbssports.com/nba/news/76ers-joel-embiid-out-indefinitely-after-undergoing-knee-surgery/
[4] Bleacher Report. (2024, October 25). Joel Embiid Signed to Three-Year, $193 Million Contract Extension by 76ers. Retrieved from https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10074684-joel-embiid-signed-to-three-year-193-million-contract-extension-by-76ers
[5] NBC Sports. (2025, August 10). Joel Embiid undergoes knee surgery, out indefinitely. Retrieved from https://www.nbcsports.com/philly/76ers/joel-embiid-undergoes-knee-surgery-out-indefinitely
While the Philadelphia 76ers contend with an early-season crisis due to Joel Embiid's recovery from knee surgery, the team is conscious of the impact on team dynamics and competitiveness. Outside basketball circles, the question of Embiid's availability and durability continues to persist given his past injuries and long-term health concerns. Meanwhile, in the realm of sports, the NFL kick-offs its season, a stark contrast to the uncertainty surrounding Embiid's return to the basketball court.
