What version of Joel Embiid will the Philadelphia 76ers see next season?
Will he be an MVP-caliber star again, or will injuries continue to prevent him from playing well?
A new quote from Sixers president Daryl Morey shed light on what the team expects in 2025-26 and beyond.
“If Joel comes back—it’s going to be at a very high level. I actually don’t see a scenario where he’s fading. (…) I understand that wasn’t his best year. My point is different though. My point is—I see him playing at a high level, and that’s so important to him that he will either get himself there or not. That’s my feeling. I think he views himself—correctly—as an MVP-level guy,” Morey said, via NBACentral.
Daryl Morey expects Joel Embiid to play at an MVP level IF he comes back
“If Joel comes back—it’s going to be at a very high level. I actually don’t see a scenario where he’s fading. (…) I understand that wasn’t his best year. My point is different though. My point is—I see him… pic.twitter.com/QjMhWOeM8m
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 12, 2025
Eagle-eyed readers will note that Morey said “if,” which will drum up the rumor mill about Embiid’s future, although most people expect the 76ers to try at least one more season with him.
Fans would rather forget 2024-25 entirely.
Due to injury, he only participated in 19 games, averaging 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists during that time.
It was just the latest blow to Embiid and his team, and now people are questioning what is next for him.
Can he ever play like the superstar he once was, or will he keep getting injured when his team needs him most?
This quote from Morey shows that the team still has high hopes for him, but what happens if he’s not at 100 percent when 2025-26 begins?
There have been rumors of the 76ers possibly trading Embiid, and those whispers will get louder if he is still in bad physical shape.
Fans are starting to lose patience with Embiid and his constant injuries, and they need more from him.
But Morey thinks they should keep their faith in the star player and his team because he believes next year will be much better.
NEXT: Paul George Gets Honest About Offseason Plans With Sixers Stars
