Paul George and Joel Embiid are the top two talents on the Philadelphia 76ers roster. They’re also the highest earners on the Sixers’ cap sheet.
During a recent episode of ESPN’s NBA Today, insider Tim McMahon shared a harsh reality the Sixers are currently facing.
“The Philadelphia 76ers are built on a flimsy foundation,” McMahon said. “They are built on a foundation of two max players who might be the two worst value contracts in the NBA. And it is not about talent. Joel Embiid and Paul George are incredibly talented players. It doesn’t matter if you’re doing that sitting on the bench in street clothes.”
McMahon’s comments came after reports that George had undergone surgery had begun to surface. Neither George nor Embiid could remain healthy last season. Furthermore, there are concerns that neither will be at full health in the 2025-26 season, despite both being shut down before the previous campaign concluded.
What’s worse is that George was initially acquired to help give Embiid the elite running mate he needed to get the Sixers over the hump. Instead, they emerged as one of the biggest disappointments in the NBA.
Sixers’ George Undergoes Surgery
On Monday, July 14, ESPN’s Shams Charania announced that George had undergone arthroscopic surgery on his left knee following an injury sustained during a recent workout.
“Philadelphia 76ers star Paul George underwent a successful arthroscopic procedure on his left knee Monday to treat an injury suffered during a recent workout, a team official tells ESPN,” Charania reported. “George will now begin a rehab program and be re-evaluated prior to start of training camp.”
George struggled during his debut season in Philadelphia. He played in 41 regular-season games, averaging 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists, shooting 43% from the field and 35.8% from 3-point range.
Sixers fans will likely be concerned that George’s latest surgery will impact his ability to be ready for the start of next season.
Sixers’ Joel Embiid Still Not on a Basketball Court
According to a report from The Athletic’s Tony Jones, Embiid is yet to begin on-court basketball activities.
“It’s been almost a year and a half since the knee injury he suffered at Golden State derailed him for most of the 2024-25 season, and Morey says Embiid is ‘on track’ to be healthy for training camp, the start of the preseason and the start of the regular season,” Jones wrote. “League sources tell The Athletic that Embiid still hasn’t returned to on-court basketball activities. That said, Morey and the front office remain optimistic that Embiid will be on the floor for the season opener.”
Embiid hasn’t been healthy for the past two years. He suited up for just 19 games during the 2024-2025 campaign. The point of shutting Embiid down last season was so he could be ready by the end of the summer. Embiid still has plenty of time to be ready for the next campaign. However, with each passing week, concerns will likely grow. After all, being cleared to work out on the court is the first hurdle.
Embiid still has a long way to go if he is ready for opening night.
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