As the NBA season approaches, all eyes are on Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid, but not just for his dominant performances on the court. Embiid’s knee has become a major talking point, raising concerns about his health and durability heading into what could be a critical season for the 76ers. The reigning NBA MVP, who has dealt with knee issues throughout his career, once again finds himself under scrutiny as fans and analysts alike wonder if his knee will hold up through the grind of the regular season and, more importantly, the playoffs.
Embiid’s knee problems first surfaced several years ago, and though he has consistently played at an elite level, the lingering effects of past injuries have led to questions about how the 7-foot center will manage his health over the course of the season. Last year, Embiid was seen frequently wearing a knee brace and took occasional games off to rest, a sign that his team is carefully managing his minutes and workload.
The 76ers, who have championship aspirations, are particularly focused on keeping their star player healthy for a deep playoff run. With James Harden’s future in Philadelphia uncertain and Tyrese Maxey still developing as a secondary option, the pressure on Embiid to stay on the court has never been higher.
Head coach Nick Nurse, entering his first season with the team, has been vocal about developing a game plan that ensures Embiid can perform at his best without overextending himself. “We want Joel to be fresh when it matters most—come playoff time,” Nurse said in a recent press conference. “We’re going to be smart about how we manage his minutes throughout the season.”
Despite these assurances, the topic of Embiid’s knee remains front and center, and it will likely be a storyline that follows him all season. Philadelphia’s title hopes rest heavily on Embiid’s shoulders, and whether or not his knee can endure the physical toll of the season will be key to the 76ers’ success. As training camps conclude and the season tips off, everyone will be watching to see how Embiid handles the pressure—and the pain.
