Grant Afseth of Fastbreak Journal has reported that there is concern about Embiid ever being able to fully regain or sustain the level of play that made him a superstar. Afseth also reported that there is concern about Embiid potentially needing another knee surgery in the future.

Having struggled with injuries for the majority of the last campaign, speculation regarding Joel Embiid‘s future in the NBA has only picked up pace ahead of the 2025-26 season. With the center yet to confirm his availability for the start of the upcoming season,

Joel Embiid’s basketball career may already be on the back nine. While speaking on SiriusXM radio, Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer speculated that the former MVP may be forced into an early retirement thanks to nagging injuries in his knees and back.