Joel Embiid Expected to Return for 2025 Training Camp After Surgery

CAMDEN, N.J. — Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid is anticipated to be fully recovered and ready for training camp, set to commence in September, following his recent knee surgery. Team President Daryl Morey confirmed that Embiid is making significant progress in his rehabilitation process after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in April 2025. This procedure was necessitated by a series of injuries that plagued him throughout the previous season, limiting the two-time NBA scoring champion to merely 19 games.

Embiid’s latest surgery came on the heels of a frustrating 2024-25 season, during which he averaged 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game. His performance was severely hampered after sustaining a meniscus injury in February 2024, the result of a fall caused by Golden State forward Jonathan Kuminga. Despite returning for the playoffs, he was ultimately ruled out for the remainder of the season due to ongoing complications from his injuries.

Morey expressed optimism regarding Embiid's recovery, stating, “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 to continue.” The 76ers are poised to start training camp earlier than usual this year, as they will be participating in preseason games against the New York Knicks as part of the Abu Dhabi Games in early October.

Embiid’s health is critical for the 76ers as they seek to bounce back from a disappointing season that culminated in a 24-58 record. His injuries have been a recurring theme throughout his career, dating back to his college days at Kansas, where he missed two years due to a stress fracture in his right foot. Since joining the NBA in 2014, Embiid has faced numerous injuries, including meniscus tears, a broken orbital bone, and even Bell’s palsy. These challenges have led him to acknowledge the emotional toll of his physical setbacks, admitting in December that he struggled with feelings of depression and sought therapy.

Despite these hurdles, Embiid has remained a pivotal figure in the 76ers’ ambitions. His ability to return to form could significantly impact the team's performance in the upcoming season, especially amid the uncertainty surrounding other key players, such as Tyrese Maxey and Paul George, who also faced injury challenges last season.

The 76ers drafted Baylor guard VJ Edgecombe with the No. 3 overall pick in the recent NBA Draft, marking a new chapter for the franchise as they look to build around a fully healthy Embiid. With training camp approaching, fans and analysts alike will closely monitor his recovery and readiness to rejoin the court. The implications of his health extend beyond just the 76ers; they resonate throughout the NBA as teams prepare for a competitive 2025 season, with the stakes higher than ever for franchises striving for success.