Joel Embiid and Paul George, key players for the Philadelphia 76ers, are currently working through their recovery processes after undergoing knee surgeries. Both athletes spoke to their injuries at the team’s media day, stressing their focus on getting back to their top form. Neither player is clear on when they expect to be back on the court.
Embiid still had a star season, averaging 23.8 points and 8.2 rebounds. He couldn’t be more pleased with his positive prognosis. “I’m feeling pretty good—very good,” he said. The former NBA MVP fought his way through significant injuries last season. He ended up playing just 19 games due to a recurring left knee problem and a sprained right foot. His averages in points and rebounds reached their lowest averages since his 2019-20 campaign. This is the worst showing in those areas since his rookie season.
The 29-year-old had arthroscopic surgery on his left patellar tendon in April. He gets reevaluated in six weeks after the surgery. During the media day, Embiid remarked, “There’s not necessarily an expectation; it’s more about making sure everything is right and doing everything right and then go from there.” This statement criticizes his timid approach as he marks off recovery milestones.
Embiid was honest about the injuries preventing him from playing how he wants to play. “And that’s when you can’t escape from yourself,” he said, describing the psychological toll that follows the loss of mobility. He wanted to be all things to all people and highlighted his playing versatility. “I’ve gotten to this point because I’m great on both sides of the court,” he said. “If you want me to start playing a different style…that’s not what I’m about.”
In the midst of it all, Paul George is on his own journey to recovery. The 33-year-old forward underwent knee surgery on his left knee in July. He required the arthroscopic procedure after tearing his meniscus while working out. That’s a major improvement, as last season he appeared in just 41 games. This came after his signing a four-year, $212 million maximum contract with the 76ers in the summer of 2024. Kuhl struggled with minor injuries all year and appeared in just 12 games. After getting his left adductor muscle and knee injected back in March, he called it quits for the season.
George reported that he is steadily improving, stating, “I’m getting better and better. Feeling stronger and stronger.” Don’t expect him to be all the way back for the beginning of training camp, he acknowledged. What is good to hear, though, is that the swelling in his knee has started to go down.
Both players emphasized the need to make sure that they are healthy before coming back to game play again. Embiid noted, “Obviously the goal is to play consistently and not be the position that we were last year,” indicating a desire to avoid the disruptions that plagued their previous season.
For the 76ers, who are facing perhaps their biggest rival in an increasingly competitive East, it all comes down to the recovery of both stars. The franchise hopes that a successful rehabilitation process will enable them to return to form and contribute significantly on the court.
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