Feb 20, 2025; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) looks on during the third quarter against the Boston Celtics at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

'He May Know That the End is Near' – Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid Gets Alarming Assessment From Insider After Recent Comments

Originally posted on Hardwood Heroics | By Jordan Samar | Last updated Jul 29, 2025 10:20 AM ET

Philadelphia 76ers’ star Joel Embiid recently opened up about the physical and mental challenges he has faced throughout his NBA career, causing many to wonder when he can still play at a high level.

During a recent appearance on SiriusXM NBA Radio, Philadelphia 76ers beat reporter Keith Pompey had a worrying interpretation of Embiid’s recent remarks.

“I think Joel may know that the end is near, and this is just me saying, and it’s kind of like explaining to people what he’s been going through,” Pompey explained. “Because rarely do you have a guy tell you how much pain (they’re in) and how much they’re going through.”

Nov 20, 2024; Memphis, Tennessee, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) reacts during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum. Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

“The thing I took from it was no matter who is there, the culture is the same. And I feel like Joel Embiid knows that it may not be this season, but the end is near. Maybe he feels as though he can’t play to the level he used to. I could be wrong. He could come out and have another MVP season. But that was my takeaway,” he concluded.

Philadelphia 76ers receive a C offseason grade from ESPN after “quiet” summer

The Philadelphia 76ers are planning to run it back with the same core next season, as they re-signed Justin Edwards, Kyle Lowry, and Eric Gordon while adding Trendon Watford. Meanwhile, they parted ways with Guerschon Yabusele , Jared Butler, and Ricky Council IV.

Pacers: Paul George Shares 1 Honest Thought About Indiana's Attitude Towards Him 1 Nov 2, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Injured Philadelphia 76ers Paul George (R) and Joel Embiid (L) look on during the first quarter against the Memphis Grizzlies at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

“After last summer was highlighted by signing nine-time All-Star Paul George — an addition that went south — perhaps a quiet offseason is for the best,” Kevin Pelton wrote in his ESPN column.

“Still, it’s surprising Philadelphia is bringing back 10 players from last season’s roster, with restricted free agent Quentin Grimes likely to bring that total to 11. The 76ers are counting on better health and improved frontcourt depth rather than making significant changes to the roster,” he added.