Joel Embiid has a lot to prove ahead of the 2025-26 NBA season.
After all, Joel Embiid played in just 19 games during the 2024-25 NBA season. The 2023 NBA MVP’s struggles with injuries ended his season early.
As a result, the Philadelphia 76ers were one of the worst teams in the Eastern Conference last season. Additionally, many have called for the 76ers to move on from Embiid.
Despite facing constant flak, Embiid has put his head down and focused on entering the 2025-26 season in peak shape.
Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty ImagesPhiladelphia 76ers fans once again pin their hopes on Joel Embiid after latest transformation
When he’s healthy, not many players are better than Embiid on the hardwood. However, due to constant injuries, Embiid has spent more time on the sidelines than on the court in the last two years.
Evidently, many 76ers fans have given up on winning an NBA Championship with Embiid as the primary superstar. But with the 2025-26 season in sight, Embiid has gone through a massive transformation.
Among the pictures shared by the 76ers’ X handle, there’s one that highlights Embiid’s transformation as the 31-year-old looks slimmer than ever.
“Don’t do it,” one fan wrote. At the same time, another added: “Embiid looking skinny. I’m falling for it but willingly.”
“Joel looks so slim,” a third fan stated.
“I am also falling for it,” another 76ers fan added.
“Embiid looking healthy and without a knee brace…” a fifth fan pointed out.
Considering Embiid’s injury history, it’s no surprise that the 76ers Nation had a mixed reaction to the image. Some were elated, while others were still afraid to believe in Embiid completely.
Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers have a shot at winning the 2026 NBA title
With the Boston Celtics and Indiana Pacers essentially out of championship contention, the East is wide open for the 2025-26 season.
While some may believe that the Embiid-Paul George duo is ‘cooked,’ the upcoming season is still their best opportunity to win it all in recent times.
There’s no doubt that Embiid will face a challenge returning to peak form; the 76ers simply cannot allow this chance to miss.
The alternative could very well be giving up on Embiid as a cornerstone player and starting to build around the likes of VJ Edgecombe and Tyrese Maxey for the future.