Embiid will be cautious with knee: Need to 'listen to the body'
Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid is taking a cautious approach after an injury-plagued 2024-25 campaign.
"Going forward, we're just going to listen to the body," Embiid told reporters Friday, including Derek Bodner of PHLY Sports. "I'll be honest and say that it's gonna be unpredictable at times, and that's OK. ... Every single time we're on the right path, keep going.
"And if there's something that happens in that time, it's OK. Focus on fixing it and keep going. That's my mentality."
Embiid was limited to 19 games last season due to ongoing issues with his left knee. The former MVP suited up for Team USA at the 2024 Paris Olympics but was held out of Philadelphia's preseason slate and its first nine regular-season contests to manage the surgically repaired joint.
Embiid tried to play through the issue and reportedly received injections to treat it. However, the seven-time All-Star continued to experience swelling and was shut down for the campaign in February.
Embiid had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee in April, 14 months after undergoing a procedure to repair a torn meniscus in the same knee. The former No. 3 pick had previously admitted he probably needed a second knee surgery to recapture his peak form.
While there's no timetable for Embiid's return, the big man said he feels "pretty good" and is taking things day by day.
"There's not necessarily an expectation. ... The goal is to play consistently and not be in a position that we were last year," Embiid said, per ESPN's Jeff Borzello.
Co-star Paul George is also on the road back to action after his debut season in Philadelphia was cut short due to injury.
The six-time All-NBA selection won't be fully ready for the start of training camp after undergoing offseason knee surgery for an injury he sustained during a summer workout.
George expressed some optimism about his status, saying he can do "pretty much everything but full contact" and the swelling in his knee has gone down, per Borzello.
"I don't think there's a timeline, just how the body is doing as we're ramping up the work," George said.
He added, "I'm getting better and better. Feeling stronger and stronger ... I do think I will be at a good place, hopefully, sooner than later."