Joel Embiid’s New Reality: The Sixers’ Star Is Evolving, But Not on His Own Terms
Joel Embiid is still the heart of the Philadelphia 76ers - but these days, he’s beating at a different rhythm. The reigning MVP has once again been sidelined for stretches of the season, and while that’s nothing new for Philly fans, what is new is how Embiid looks when he is on the floor. And that’s where the concern really starts.
According to longtime NBA analyst Zach Lowe, the eye test isn’t kind to Embiid right now. He’s not moving well, plain and simple.
The fluidity, the power, the willingness to bang bodies in the paint - all of that seems to be fading. And perhaps the most jarring indicator?
His rebounding numbers have taken a nosedive.
Embiid is averaging just 5.3 rebounds per game - a career low that jumps off the stat sheet for a player who once made his living dominating the glass. For a guy who used to inhale boards like they were oxygen, that number doesn’t just raise eyebrows - it raises red flags.
And it’s not just about the numbers. It’s how he’s playing.
Embiid has never shied away from contact - he used to invite it, thrive on it. But now?
He’s avoiding it. There’s a noticeable reluctance to mix it up in the post, and instead of bulldozing his way to the rim, he’s settling for more jumpers.
The post-ups are fewer, the physicality is dialed down, and the result is a version of Embiid that feels like it’s been recalibrated for survival.
This isn’t about effort or desire - it’s about wear and tear. Embiid’s body has taken a beating over the years, and it’s starting to show. The knee issues, the injury management, the cautious movements - it all points to a player who knows his limitations and is trying to adapt before they catch up to him completely.
And yet, despite all of this, the Sixers aren’t spiraling. In fact, they’ve found something - or rather, someone - to lean on: Tyrese Maxey.
Maxey has stepped into the spotlight with confidence and control, blossoming into the kind of lead guard that can carry a franchise. He’s not just filling in the gaps; he’s reshaping the Sixers’ identity.
And Embiid? He’s taking a step back, willingly or not, into more of a complementary role - a “Robin” to Maxey’s “Batman,” at least for now.
That’s not necessarily a bad thing. If anything, it might be the best path forward.
Embiid doesn’t need to carry the same load he once did. The key now is balance - finding a way to preserve his body while still tapping into the unique skill set that made him an MVP in the first place.
Because make no mistake: even a less physically imposing Embiid is still a problem for defenses. He’s still got the footwork, the touch, the ability to draw doubles and make teams pay. But the Sixers - and Embiid himself - need to accept that the days of him bulldozing through 82 games and a playoff run on sheer force alone are likely over.
This next chapter is going to look different. It has to. But that doesn’t mean it can’t still be successful.
The Sixers have a real shot at building something sustainable here - one where Maxey leads the charge and Embiid plays a smarter, more strategic role. It’s not about diminishing Embiid’s greatness; it’s about extending it. And if both sides can embrace that evolution, this team might just find a new way to win.