Joel Embiid’s performance in the Philadelphia 76ers’ season opener against the Boston Celtics is raising red flags among analysts and fans alike. Despite the team’s narrow 117–116 victory, Embiid’s contributions were limited, and scored just 4 points on 1-of-9 shooting in 20 minutes of play.
His lack of explosiveness and apparent laboring movements were noted by former NBA player Joe Johnson, who remarked, “Embiid looks like he’s laboring. I know he went 1-9, but he don’t look explosive anymore.”, while talking in Nightcap program.
NFL Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe echoed these sentiments, attributing Embiid’s struggles to the physical toll of repeated injuries. Sharpe emphasized that while Embiid may be in good shape from rehabilitation, he hasn’t had sufficient time to train and regain peak performance levels. He stated, “Rehabbing just gets you back to where you were. Training takes you to the next level.”
As the 2025-2026 NBA season progresses, the 76ers will need Embiid to return to his MVP-caliber form to contend effectively.
