Joel Embiid’s presence on the Philadelphia 76ers has sparked considerable discussion as he currently battles through a knee injury at the beginning of the 2025-26 NBA season. Concerns grow over the team’s defensive capabilities in his absence, with an Eastern Conference scout expressing doubts about their potential without him. “They’re not good enough defensively [without him],” the scout stated, indicating a lack of confidence in Philadelphia’s performance without their star center.
After undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery in April, Embiid has faced ongoing injury issues, having played in only 58 out of 164 possible regular-season games over the past two years. As the new season unfolds, the 76ers are exercising caution concerning Embiid’s fitness, as he has suited up for just six of the team’s initial 17 games.
Strategizing around Embiid’s condition is crucial, according to an Eastern executive. “They have to figure out how to maximize Joel. I don’t think he can come back and look like he used to. They have to try to use him in a strategic way,” the executive noted. The team seems to be transitioning their offensive development, moving away from building the game plan solely around Embiid.
This season, Embiid has altered his on-court approach, opting for a jump shot rather than frequently driving to the basket, reflected in his average shot distance of 14.4 feet away from the hoop—an all-time high for the center. The scout remarked on the evolving pace of the game, suggesting that even when healthy, Embiid found it challenging to keep up.
Despite these challenges, Embiid has maintained a notable scoring average of 19.7 points in just over 23 minutes per game, boasting an impressive shooting percentage of 46.0% from the field. However, his rebounding numbers have dipped to 5.5 per game, raising concerns about his overall contribution.
Despite Embiid’s limited participation, the 76ers have managed to forge a 9-8 record early in the season, thanks in large part to the outstanding performance of Tyrese Maxey. Maxey has emerged as a vital offensive weapon, averaging 32.2 points, 7.5 assists, and 1.6 steals per game, while shooting an efficient 47.0% from the field, 40.9% from three-point range, and 87.8% from the free-throw line across all 17 games played.
As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how the 76ers adapt their gameplay to support both Embiid’s recovery and Maxey’s rise as a leading scorer, hopeful for a strong season ahead.