After 237 days, Embiid returns still at an elite level

I didn’t expect that in the 24-25 season, Embiid would show up on the court before George.

In today’s last preseason game for the 76ers, Embiid was approved to participate before the match but was expected to play under 20 minutes. Embiid was included in the starting five, and his last game was on February 23, 237 days earlier.

To be honest, I’m still unclear exactly which part of Embiid’s knee is persistently problematic, or if the entire knee is severely damaged. During the offseason, he underwent an arthroscopic surgery on his left knee, but it still can’t guarantee the knee will stay healthy.

Fortunately, from his comeback debut, Embiid’s knee didn’t show any issues. Perhaps because it’s been so long since we last saw him play, he looked noticeably more agile on the court today. Right from the start, he hit a classic mid-range jumper off a dribble at the free-throw line. This move is truly unstoppable; both his shooting and ball-handling skills place him among the top big men in the league.

Before halftime, after grabbing a defensive rebound, Embiid also had a coast-to-coast fast break with the ball. His speed on the break was good, and his step-up layup showed explosive power. However, Embiid opted for floaters or layups on some dunks he could have easily slammed, seemingly to protect his knee.

As long as his knee stays healthy and he remains on the floor, Embiid can afford to make these “reductions” — avoiding intense physical exertion and even easing up on defense by not contesting every reachable layup. Because for the 76ers, having Embiid on the court makes a significant difference.

Embiid’s offensive presence remains among the league’s best; whenever he plays, he effortlessly creates opportunities for his teammates. He already had 7 assists by halftime without actively chasing assists — whenever he chooses to share the ball, the assists come naturally.

Embiid played just over 18 minutes in the entire game, shooting 5 of 10 from the field, 2 of 4 from three, and 2 of 2 from the free-throw line, finishing with 14 points, 7 rebounds, 8 assists, and 3 steals, plus a +12 plus-minus rating.

For a player who hadn’t played in over 200 days, this return performance is nearly perfect. Just by being on the court, Embiid’s dominance remains at a superstar level. The boost he gives his teammates is visually obvious.

Maxey shot 10 of 17 overall, 3 of 8 from three, scoring 27 points with 4 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals; the third overall pick VJ seemed very eager to play alongside Embiid, going 10 of 18 for 26 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 5 steals, and grabbing 4 offensive boards.

Compared to his 26 points on offense, VJ’s defensive performance was even more impressive. Using his excellent physical attributes, he showed potential as a two-way player. As a rookie, he might already be the 76ers’ best perimeter defender. VJ could truly develop along the lines of a young Butler, focusing early on off-ball movement and defense rather than ball handling or shot creation.

Embiid is the cornerstone of the 76ers. When both he and George were injured, fans joked that Maxey could take over. But although Maxey can put up flashy stats, he still lacks leadership in carrying the team. Only with Embiid back does this 76ers team start to look like a real contender.

After winning MVP in the 22-23 season, Embiid played only 58 games over the next two seasons and just 19 last season. His knee may never fully recover after that fall involving Kuminga, and his passion for basketball has gradually waned over these two years. Former 76ers staff said Embiid trusts no one.

The only solution is to get Embiid back on the court, to reignite his passion for basketball and open his heart again. He’s only 31 years old and still has a long basketball journey ahead. Most importantly, he still has a four-year, $248 million contract.

After the game today, Embiid said: “I’m here to help. Many peers say I wouldn’t even make the top 100 players in the league. So I think I have to blend in and see in what ways I can help the team win.”

Once the league MVP, now he has to prove he belongs in the top 100 players — isn’t this also a kind of fresh start?