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Sixers still unsure if Joel Embiid will be cleared when camp opens

Originally posted on Hoops Wire | By Sam Amico | Last updated Aug 15, 2025 1:34 PM ET

With NBA training camps about six weeks away, the 76ers still cannot say for sure if Joel Embiid will be ready to go.

Coach Nick Nurse touched on the status of the former MVP big man during an interview with Brian T. Smith of TalkSport at the Basketball Without Borders Europe camp in Manchester, England.

Nurse admitted he is “not sure” if Embiid will be cleared in time for camp, but added that “all the news is positive” so far.

“I know he’s working very, very hard and I think things look good,” Nurse said. “Whether he’s ready for training camp or not, I think there’s maybe a lot more decisions than that to make before we get there. But our main thing is that he’s healthy to play and play to his nearest capabilities, because he’s awesome, no doubt about that.”

Since winning MVP in 2023, Embiid has rarely been close to full strength. He played just 39 games in 2023-24 before undergoing meniscus surgery on his left knee. Last season, he was limited to 19 games before being shut down in February, followed by arthroscopic surgery in April.

Nurse’s comments mark the first public update since team president Daryl Morey said after the draft that Embiid was on track to return “right around” the start of camp. Even if that is the case, the Sixers intend to be careful and build him toward the season opener.

“When he’s on the floor and any night he’s out there, we’ve got a chance to win, which is amazing,” Nurse said. “We just want to make sure and get him healthy and let him play for a longer period of time.”

Without Embiid, Philadelphia limped to 24 wins last season after entering as a supposed title threat. Paul George appeared in only 41 games, Tyrese Maxey in 52, and injuries hit the roster from top to bottom. The Sixers even ended up using 40 different players.

Nurse called it “a really unfortunate season” but sees signs pointing up — namely improved health and the addition of No. 3 pick VJ Edgecombe.

“Those guys get healthy. They’re great players, and we get some better health this year,” Nurse said. “We’ll be right back in the mix and that’s what we’re looking to do.”