One of the major questions surrounding the upcoming NBA season—and the long-term future of the Philadelphia 76ers—centers on the status of their two stars, Joel Embiid and Paul George. So far, the outlook doesn’t appear promising.
According to NBA insider Brett Siegel, both George and Embiid face uncertain futures. “Only updates are that George is out for the start of training camp and may not play in the preseason. Too early to tell there,” Siegel reported.
“As for Embiid, there is genuine concern about his knee health. Of course, word from Philly gets downplayed, but around the league, word is bad,” Siegel added. Even more concerning is the fact that the duo combined for just 104 games played last season and are set to earn a combined $109 million in the 2025-26 campaign.
Despite the uncertainty, the 76ers enter the 2025-26 season with high-end potential—at least on paper. Tyrese Maxey, the 25-year-old All-NBA guard, returns alongside veteran Paul George, and they’ll be joined by an intriguing group of newcomers, including No. 3 overall pick V.J. Edgecombe and second-round selection Johni Broome.
The 2024-25 season ended on a sobering note for the Sixers, who finished with a 24-58 record and landed in 13th place in the Eastern Conference. That disappointing result triggered sweeping changes in the front office, though the team’s core vision remains intact. Head coach Nick Nurse now leads a roster still centered on Embiid, whose chronic issues with his knees, back, and sinuses have taken a visible toll on the former MVP.
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In a recent feature, both Embiid and team insiders acknowledged the growing physical strain, fueling speculation that—with the center turning 31 and still owed $193 million—this could mark the beginning of the end for Philadelphia’s franchise cornerstone.
The projected starting five will shoulder heavy responsibilities, but behind them lies an untested core featuring Jared McCain, Eric Gordon, Adem Bona, and others. These players are expected to navigate a gauntlet of injury management, rotation volatility, and playoff pressure.
Still, there is cautious optimism that this group represents a long-term project worth investing in for the upcoming NBA seasons. The future may be uncertain, but it’s not without promise.
