Joel Embiid has given the 76ers a head start before the season even begins.
Philadelphia’s offseason has already been busy, with the draft, a blockbuster trade and several smart free agency additions pushing the team into the conversation as one of the clear title favorites for the 2026-27 campaign. And the front office still isn’t finished.
But the biggest swing factor remains the same: Embiid. According to Bob Myers, president of the ownership group, the former Most Valuable Player is healthy this offseason, which is a major change from the summers when he’s had to spend his time rehabbing and working back into shape.
That matters because Embiid’s availability changes everything for this roster. Even in a season where he still missed more games than he played, he showed he remains an overwhelming force when he’s on the floor. His rebounding and rim protection dipped a bit, but his overall game was still dominant, especially on offense.
That’s the part that makes Philadelphia dangerous. When Embiid is rolling, the 76ers become a much tougher problem for everyone else. And with a more loaded roster around him this time, his production should make life easier for a group that already has plenty of firepower.
Simply having Embiid available gives the 76ers a built-in edge. Very few teams are built to deal with him without giving something up to the other stars around him.
In the end, Philadelphia’s ceiling goes as far as Embiid can carry it. If he opens the season healthy, the 76ers are in a far better spot to put teams away early. And with a full summer to sharpen his game and build chemistry with his teammates, that’s a scary thought for the rest of the league.
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Embiid has not spoken publicly about the trade, but the buzz around the team is that he is enthusiastic about the addition and already looking ahead to the coming season. Health will still shape how far this group can go, and the front office may not be done yet, with the possibility of another major move hanging over the roster as the 76ers try to turn a big summer into something even bigger. [Read more 🡒]