Kris Rhim | October 15, 2026, 4:15 PM ET
PHILADELPHIA — Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey emphasized Thursday that having a fully healthy Joel Embiid transforms the entire trajectory of the franchise.
Throughout his decade-long career, Embiid has struggled with consistency due to recurring injuries. He has never completed a full 82-game season and has surpassed 60 appearances only four times. On average, he’s suited up for roughly 49 games per year, not accounting for the time he missed during his initial two professional seasons.
Last season proved particularly challenging, as Embiid appeared in just 38 games—double the 19 he played in 2024—as he battled complications from a right hip injury, ongoing left knee management, and appendicitis. These ailments frequently sidelined him during key developmental periods such as training camp and the preseason, limiting his availability for essential on-court chemistry-building exercises.
“You can implement more strategies,” Maxey noted. “There have been stretches when Joel wasn’t healthy, and we’d step onto the court still figuring things out in real time.”
Maxey, who has shared the court with Embiid for six seasons, possesses a deep understanding of the star center’s preferences—from preferred scoring positions to optimal spacing patterns. However, newer teammates like LeBron James and Jaylen Brown lack that foundational familiarity, making continuity all the more vital.
This season marks a turning point: Embiid participated fully through training camp and the preseason, allowing the roster to acclimate cohesively ahead of opening night.
“For players unfamiliar with a big man like Joel, there aren’t many comparisons,” Maxey explained. “It takes significant effort to master those nuances… But because he’s been present, we’ve had ample opportunity to refine our synchronization over the past couple of weeks. That repetition is invaluable.”
Nearing the conclusion of last season, Embiard expressed renewed confidence in his physical condition.
“The knee issue was the most pressing worry, but I’m not dwelling on it anymore,” he stated. “As long as we maintain our current regimen, I believe I’ll continue to feel strong and capable.”
