Joel Embiid’s health has long been viewed as the biggest issue for any championship run for the Philadelphia 76ers. And according to reports, it’s been known that it was one of LeBron James’ biggest questions before he committed to the Sixers.
NBA Insider Scoop B Robinson reported that Embiid’s durability concerns initially gave LeBron a scare as he evaluated his free agency options. But those concerns were reportedly eased during a private meeting between the two superstars.
“The centerpiece of Philadelphia’s pitch has always been MVP big man Joel Embiid, but that potential partnership came with well-documented reservations. As noted in my prior reporting—a stance I continue to stand on—persistent durability questions surrounding Embiid remained a primary hurdle, with key decision-makers initially questioning the fit due to fears of another injury-disrupted postseason run.”
“However, sources familiar with LeBron James’ thinking note that those concerns were directly confronted during a private face-to-face meeting in Los Angeles, where Embiid gave James direct assurances regarding his health after completing his first surgery-free summer. From James’ perspective, entering the season with a fully healthy Embiid fundamentally shifted the structural balance of the roster.”
These concerns have been a big issue for years.
Embiid has been battling injuries throughout his entire NBA career. Foot surgeries delayed the start of his professional career by two full seasons after he was drafted in 2014. Since then, he has dealt with knee injuries, meniscus tears, facial fractures, concussions, thumb surgery, and many more injuries.
The seven-time All-Star has played 490 regular-season games while missing 495 games over the course of his career, which shows why his health has remained the biggest storyline around the Sixers.
At the same time, Embiid has repeatedly shown why he is worth that risk.
The last time he entered a season relatively healthy was in 2023-24, one year after winning the NBA MVP award. Before suffering another knee injury, Embiid produced one of the most dominant stretches in basketball history.
He averaged 34.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.7 blocks per game while shooting 52.9% from the field and 38.8% from three-point range.
Night after night, he was just unstoppable.
Even after suffering a torn meniscus midway through the season, Embiid fought back to return before the playoffs. He even attempted to reach the NBA’s 65-game minimum, which was one of the reasons he got hurt again.
That competitive drive appears to have resonated with LeBron.
The Sixers’ pitch was never simply about adding another superstar. It was about showing LeBron that they have a deep squad even without Embiid. And it was Embiid’s job to show that he can stay healthy long enough for the Sixers to maximize their championship window.
If Robinson’s report is accurate, Embiid’s confidence in his physical condition and the fact that he completed his first surgery-free offseason in years proved to be a big factor.
LeBron ultimately signed a two-year veteran’s minimum contract with the Sixers for $8 million, after he gave up over $40 million in salary to chase another title next to Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown and VJ Edgecombe.
On paper, the Sixers have the most talented starting five in the league today.
Whether they live up to their full potential is yet to be seen and depends on the ultimate question.
Can Joel Embiid stay healthy?
If he can, the Sixers have the talent to overpower any team in the league. If injury strikes again, the concerns LeBron had carried into free agency could rise again in what could be the final seasons of his legendary career.
