Joel Embiid’s Road to Recovery
Just two months back, Joel Embiid found himself doubting if he could reach his former greatness.
He received the league MVP title in 2023 but underwent several surgeries on his left knee. This drastic shift turned him from a formidable player into a mere shadow of his past self.
“I was uncertain if I’d ever return to that level,” Embiid shared in an exclusive chat. “But I’m back.”
During his last 20 games, Embiid has shown he can still shine brightly, averaging about 29.7 points and 8.3 rebounds. Just last Thursday, he posted a stunning 37 points against Sacramento, following it up with 40 points, 11 rebounds, four assists, and two blocked shots against New Orleans two days later.
It’s been a challenging path for Embiid.
He played only 39 games in the 2024-25 season and just 19 last season. Over 18 months, he underwent two meniscal surgeries. There were even discussions about whether the 31-year-old should consider retirement, a sobering thought for someone still in their prime.
Embiid took note of the critiques.
“That’s rough,” he expressed. “People say he’s lazy and all that. Look, if you start playing basketball at 16 and make it to the league in just three years, there’s no way you’re lazy. I’ve faced injuries, come back, and even made the Olympics. It’s been a struggle, but I’ll always keep fighting.”
Drew Hanlen, Embiid’s longtime trainer, mentioned that many are unaware of the difficulties Embiid has navigated behind the scenes.
“We often joke that when Joel finally decides to share his story post-retirement, people will respect him even more,” Hanlen noted, emphasizing the sacrifices Embiid has made for the 76ers.
Hanlen also indicated that Embiid’s recovery was filled with ups and downs. He attributes Embiid’s current success to the 76ers’ medical team finding the right mix of load management, therapy, and nutrition.
“There wasn’t any groundbreaking surgery,” Hanlen clarified. “He underwent what everyone knew about. It was just a long process to combine the right treatments and recovery methods.”
For Embiid, it wasn’t solely about the physical pain; he felt restricted in a body that wouldn’t cooperate.
Hanlen recounted a moment last season when they reviewed footage together. Embiid expressed that while he could manage pain, it was the physical inability to execute the plays that was frustrating.
Embiid confirmed that he tore his left meniscus in January 2024, needing surgery shortly after. He managed to return for the team’s first playoff series against New York, went on to represent Team USA, and even secured a gold medal at the 2024 Olympics — although it was perhaps a stretch.
However, that was a lot to handle.
The next season saw him grappling with relentless pain and swelling that affected his mobility, necessitating a second surgery in April 2025.
A new approach was needed.
Embiid set out to rebuild himself, which meant stepping back from basketball. After the Olympics, he didn’t train with Hanlen for 15 months; instead, they spent time watching movies over the phone.
When he returned to the court this season, it felt like a trial run. There were rusty moments, and doubts swarmed like a thick fog. Many assumed he had lost his edge.
That was disheartening for Embiid. After diligently working to regain his MVP-caliber status, he faced a torrent of negativity. He had turned into a target for jokes and harsh criticism — a tough pill to swallow for a competitor who simply wanted to contribute positively to his team.
Yet, he stood firm against the noise, including some of his own negative thoughts.
“I’ll focus on my physical and mental health,” Embiid asserted. “Sure, therapy has been mentioned before, but I’m learning and focusing on my family. I don’t need someone else’s validation. Just trust in the process. What’s meant to happen will unfold, be it good or bad.”
Everything clicked back into place when Embiid began working on his game again. His speed, finesse, and overall agility returned. Lately, he’s begun showcasing the generational talent he possesses — a 7-footer with the grace of a guard.
Surprisingly, even his toughest critics are starting to reconsider.
“I owe Daryl Morey and Joel Embiid an apology because I never anticipated this outcome,” expressed former NBA player and current analyst Kendrick Perkins. “Just two months ago, I believed Joel was facing retirement. Now, he’s looking like an All-NBA player once more.”
The 76ers, currently 29-21 and fifth in the Eastern Conference, will rely heavily on Embiid to maintain their competitive edge, especially with Paul George’s recent suspension.
“I want to continue evolving this year,” said Embiid. “But I think I’ll be fully back to my old self next year.”
Doc Rivers, who coached Embiid from 2020 to 2023, didn’t hold back about the center’s recent revival. “He’s the most talented player I’ve ever coached,” he stated.
Those words carry weight, especially from a coach who is currently leading Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Rivers voiced his disappointment over Embiid never being fully healthy during the postseason, stating that if things changed, “they’d be a serious threat.”
No one feels that disappointment more than Embiid himself. He recalls a moment he shared with Hanlen at a Boston hotel after winning the MVP award during the 2023 playoffs.
“He said he would trade the MVP for just one healthy postseason,” Hanlen remembered. “He believes if they can achieve that, they could secure a championship for Philadelphia.”
But for now, Embiid is taking it day by day.
He’s revamped his body, rekindled his confidence, and is set on realizing his potential again. It’s not merely about silencing critics; it’s about demonstrating to one person who truly matters — his son — what he can achieve.
“He wants Arthur to see the best version of himself,” Hanlen remarked about Embiid’s five-year-old son. “He doesn’t want the story to be that his father was good. He wants Arthur to say, ‘My dad is a great man.’
So, Embiid continues his battle.
“Anything I did two years ago, I believe I can do again,” he stated.
