The Philadelphia 76ers’ center, Joel Embiid, is poised to return from his knee surgery just in time for training camp coming up in September.

Embiid underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee back in April, following a challenging season where he only managed to play 19 games due to injuries.

Daryl Morey, the team’s president, spoke with Embiid right before the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft, expressing optimism about the All-Star’s recovery progress.

“He’s very engaged, attacking rehab. Doing everything he can to be out there. He had a meeting with [the surgeon] this week. All things, to use a NASA term, are nominal. Things are going well and expected, and we expect that to continue.”
“Está muy comprometido, atacando la rehabilitación. Está haciendo todo lo posible para estar ahí. Tuvo una reunión con [el cirujano] esta semana. Todo está en orden. Las cosas van bien y se espera que continúe así.”

The 76ers are preparing for an early training camp this year, scheduled to host preseason matches against the New York Knicks in the Abu Dhabi Games. Aiming for the October games, the team expects to have the 31-year-old Embiid participate fully. Morey shared:

“Things are on track to be ready right around there.”
“Las cosas están en camino de estar listas justo en ese momento.”

In addition to his knee surgery on February 6, 2024, where he dealt with meniscus issues, Embiid faced a downward spiral throughout the last season, averaging only 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists across his games before being ruled out altogether by late February. Injuries have hindered him since his entry into the NBA, including a stress fracture in his foot during his rookie year, which sidelined him for two years.

Embiid has expressed the emotional toll from his injuries, candidly admitting struggles with depression and the need for therapy:

“It’s kind of hard when you get in those moments where it’s hard not to feel bad about yourself, especially when you know who you are and what you can accomplish but it’s not the way it is.”
“Es difícil cuando te encuentras en esos momentos donde es difícil no sentirte mal contigo mismo, especialmente cuando sabes quién eres y lo que puedes lograr, pero no es así como debe ser.”

In the face of challenge, he aims to stay positive, relying on support and good company while striving to push through. Additionally, former All-Stars Paul George and Tyrese Maxey also experienced injuries as the 76ers struggled to a 24-58 record under coach Nick Nurse.