Embiid Adjusts Role After Surgeries, Focuses on Team Success

LAS VEGAS, Nevada — Joel Embiid shared a new outlook on success following two knee surgeries in 14 months. The Philadelphia 76ers star spoke to reporters at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Friday, emphasizing teamwork over individual statistics.

“I’m here to help,” Embiid said, after finishing with 14 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, and three steals in a recent game. Despite his past accolades, including multiple All-Star selections and a league MVP award, Embiid acknowledged the criticism he faces regarding his current performance level.

He stated, “According to a lot of your peers [in the media], I’m not even a top-100 basketball player in the league. So I guess I’ve just got to fit in and see where I can help the team win basketball games.” Embiid’s statement follows a recent omission from a top-100 player list published by The Ringer.

This season, ESPN ranks him 47th, a notable drop from last year’s No. 8. Concerns about his nagging knee injuries have affected how analysts view his contributions on the court. Last season, Embiid played only 19 games due to a left knee injury and underwent multiple surgeries.

“I think we made a lot of progress over the last couple of months,” Embiid said about his recovery. “Just taking it day by day. This is still kind of like a feel period.”

While Embiid’s health remains uncertain, the 76ers have not determined his availability for the season opener against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday.

“I want to be as honest as possible,” he stated. “It’s going to be unpredictable at times, and that’s okay. The only thing I’m focused on is the right path forward, keeping a positive mindset. If something happens, it’s okay; we just focus on fixing it and keeping going.”

In the meantime, Embiid is embracing a new role as a facilitator, aiming to help his teammates score while conserving his energy during games. Throughout practices and scrimmages, he’s shown a willingness to adapt, playing effectively in a twin-tower lineup alongside reserve center Adem Bona.

With the shift in his game, Embiid recognizes the potential in his team. “We’ve got a bunch of athletes,” he noted. “I just have to find them. If we can score early and often, I won’t have to run up and down the court as much.” Now, Embiid is focused on reintegrating into the game and supporting his teammates in the best ways possible this season.