Joel Embiid: Philadelphia 76ers boss Morey claims center is ‘on track’… and says VJ Edgecombe has ‘All Star potential’
Embiid was restricted to 19 games last season
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid is “attacking rehab” and could return for the 76ers’ training camp, team president Daryl Morey says.
2023 NBA Most Valuable Player Embiid last featured in February because of his third serious knee problem of an injury-strewn career since joining Philadelphia in 2014.
“All things, to use a NASA term, are nominal,” said Morey, referencing the space agency’s wording for aspects of engineering going to plan.
“Things are going well and expected and we expect that to continue. He’s doing everything he can to be out there.”
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Joel Embiid injuries
The 31-year-old had a meeting with a surgeon this week following an arthroscopic operation on his left knee in April, Morey said.
Two-time scoring champion Embiid missed the entirety of pre-season 2024 with a knee issue and has dealt with a succession of other injuries across 10 years.
Speaking before the start of last season, the 7ft Olympic gold medalist with Team USA in 2024 pragmatically admitted that he cannot envisage playing back-to-back games again.
what it’s all about. @vj_edgecombe explains his draft day jacket. ⤵️ pic.twitter.com/eHvlefMxPd
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) June 26, 2025
NBA draft picks 2025: VJ Edgecombe to 76ers
Morey was also optimistic about VJ Edgecombe, the 19-year-old former All-American picked third by the 76ers from Baylor in the first round draft on Wednesday.
“He’s a two-way player who will really help this team,” predicted Morey, calling the guard a “dynamic athlete” and “potential All-Star”.
“He’s got all these winning qualities that we think really fit. He’s a great team-mate. His story and what he’s done to get to this point is really unbelievable and we think he’s on a great trajectory to take where he’s come from and really continue to improve through Baylor all the way through a very long and very promising NBA career.
“We’re excited it’s here with the 76ers. We were deliberating over the last few days about who we would pick and, as we dug in, we felt like VJ was by far the best choice.
“This is a man’s league and he’s strong and physical, so I think he’ll adjust quicker than most draft picks, but they take a little time, sometimes.”