CAMDEN, N.J. — Joel Embiid did not provide specifics on a return to the Philadelphia 76ers’ lineup, but the perennially injured All-Star center says there is a “plan in place” to play following knee surgery in April.
“The goal is to play consistently,” Embiid said Friday at the team media day.
A two-time NBA scoring champion, Embiid underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in April after an injury-plagued season limited him to only 19 games. He was ruled out for the season in late February after averaging 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists.
“I’ve had so many injuries,” Embiid said. “The only thing I’ve always told myself is you can’t give up.”
Since earning NBA MVP honors in the 2022-23 season, Embiid has played only 58 regular-season games and seven play-in tournament/playoff games.
“I want to play. I want to play every single game,” Embiid said. “I’ve been pretty unlucky when it comes to that compared to most NBA players.”
The 76ers were set to practice in New Jersey on Saturday and Sunday before traveling to the United Arab Emirates for two preseason games in Abu Dhabi.
Paul George won’t be ready to play overseas — but the Oct. 22 season opener remains on track.
George is still recovering from surgery in July on his left knee after being injured during a workout. He said Friday he is participating in light workouts on the court and expects to be in a “good place hopefully earlier than later.”
The 35-year-old forward signed a $212 million, four-year contract last summer in free agency. However, his first year in Philadelphia was marred by knee and adductor injuries, resulting in one of the worst seasons of his NBA career. He averaged 16.2 points in just 41 games, marking his lowest scoring average in a full season since his sophomore year with Indiana, when he averaged 12.1 points.
“I do think I’ve got a lot of game in me,” George said.
Embiid has dealt with multiple injuries even before entering the NBA. He suffered a stress fracture in his right foot before being drafted out of Kansas, which cost him two years. Since then, injuries have included a bone bruise, meniscus tear, busted orbital bone, sprained shoulder, tendinitis, torn ligaments, and even Bell’s palsy.
Embiid was light on specifics regarding a potential return on Friday.
“I think going forward we’re just going to listen to the body,” he said. “I’ll be honest and say it’s going to be unpredictable at times, and that’s OK. We’re going to work with that.”
The 76ers suffered another injury setback before training camp opened when second-year guard Jared McCain sustained a UCL tear in his right thumb during a workout Thursday.
Last season, with both Embiid and George sidelined for large stretches, the 76ers struggled mightily, losing 31 of their final 36 games and finishing with a dismal 24-58 record, dashing any championship hopes.
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