Joel Embiid reveals physical transformation at 76ers media day

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Joel Embiid reveals physical transformation at 76ers media day

By Paul White | Last updated Sep 28, 2026 1:26 PM ET

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid has been one of the more confounding players in recent NBA history. He possesses all-time great talent, but injuries and lack of playoff success have robbed him of his true potential up to this point.

One of the most important variables regarding his injuries is his playing weight, as Embiid has been criticized mercilessly for his size and conditioning over the years. He typically plays his way into shape, and you can see it manifest itself on the court early in the season, when the former MVP is bent over clutching his shorts and gasping for breath.

Joel Embiid appears to be in great shape ahead of 2026-27 season

However, Embiid took the concerns seriously this offseason and focused his efforts toward slimming down. The 76ers gathered for team media day on Monday, and the star’s progress is notable.

NBA reporter Chris Haynes revealed just how much the center has shrunk since his last public appearance.

Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has dropped a considerable amount of weight. pic.twitter.com/Of1rI0aZS6
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) September 28, 2026

76ers forward LeBron James takes his health and fitness seriously, so perhaps Embiid was trying to take a page out of his book. Philadelphia knows how tough it is to have playoff success without him in the lineup, and it hopes his weight will produce better results.

The seven-time All-Star has had a plethora of knee injuries throughout his career, so his improved physique should take some stress off his joints. His athleticism has been impacted by the frequent knee surgeries in recent years, so the weight loss will bring some of that back.

It his been a long time since he’s looked as slim as he does now, and the 76ers will be better for it if he maintains this fitness level for the entire season.

Paul White

Paul White is a contract writer from Philadelphia who attended Penn State University. He has contributed hundreds of stories about the NFL and NBA over the years and now brings that experience over to Yardbarker. He is a lifelong Philadelphia sports fan looking to bring the same passion from his city to sports media.

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