Joel Embiid, the Philadelphia 76ers' powerhouse, has been navigating a challenging path with knee injuries over the past few seasons. Since the start of the last campaign, he's managed to play just 50 games. After undergoing left meniscus surgery in January 2024, Embiid, the 2023 MVP, showcased his resilience by playing a crucial role for Team USA in the 2024 Olympics, bringing home the gold.
Drew Hanlen, renowned as one of the NBA's top skills trainers, recently shed light on Embiid's unwavering determination despite his injury setbacks. Hanlen revealed that Embiid made the tough decision to forgo skill workouts to focus on his health.
"From that point until mid-season this year, around December 10th, we didn't have a single workout session," Hanlen shared. "This is a guy who's obsessed with basketball, but he knew he had to prioritize his health."
Embiid, still on a minutes restriction, initially struggled due to the lack of basketball workouts while tending to his knee. Hanlen pointed out that this behind-the-scenes focus on recovery was a key factor in his early-season struggles.
"We got back in the lab. And he's like, 'I feel like myself again.' And the next game he had 39, and since then he's averaging like 30. That's how good he is."
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) February 18, 2026
NBA trainer Drew Hanlen on Joel Embiid looking like his old self again 🗣
(via @KevinOConnor)pic.twitter.com/HkuvvOYFl1
Hanlen also mentioned that Embiid used NBA games as a way to regain his form, channeling his inner "old-school Joel."
"I remember him saying, 'Hey, I know I'm not supposed to, but we need to work on my jump shot. My mid-range and three are off,'" Hanlen recounted. "We had one intense workout, and he felt like himself again."
This marked a turning point for Embiid, who quickly returned to his dominant form.
"The next game, he dropped thirty-nine points, and since then, he's averaging around thirty," Hanlen noted. "That's just how good he is."
With the 76ers also dealing with Paul George’s 25-game suspension, Embiid's role becomes even more crucial as they aim to improve their 30-24 record. The season is still wide open, and despite Embiid’s recent absences, Hanlen’s insights provide fans with plenty of reasons to be optimistic.