In 2024, the Philadelphia 76ers were title contenders. They could once look straight into the eyes of teams that were favorites for the championship. But the downfall came quickly and with force. Once again, Joel Embiid’s injuries and unavailability scarred the franchise’s dreams of filling the trophy cabinet. Leadership out of the window, and the disruption was evident. However, the 2025-26 NBA season comes with new hope. And maybe this time, the basketball gods will smile… a bit.

On Friday, Philly officially kicked off their upcoming season with Media Day. It was definitely something worth looking forward to, given they got the 3rd draft pick, VJ Edgecombe, on the team this season. Besides, Embiid and Paul George, who are dealing with injuries, shared major updates. So, without further ado, let’s look into the five crucial takeaways from the 76ers’ media day.

Joel Embiid gives health updates ahead of the Philadelphia 76ers training camp

The Philadelphia 76ers gathered in Camden for media day. It felt like a fresh start with rebuilding hope for them. After a bruising 24-58 campaign last season, haunted by injuries, the franchise craves renewal. Players and staff step up to address the media, but beneath the smiles lingers urgency. This team is desperate to rewrite its narrative, starting now.

Meanwhile, Joel Embiid finally broke his silence with reporters after months away, reflecting on a season lost to injury. A nagging knee issue shadowed him from day one, limiting him to only 19 appearances and often leaving him hobbled. The campaign ended with left knee surgery in April, and on Friday, he finally revealed where his recovery stands.

“I feel pretty good,” Embiid said. “I think we’ve made a lot of progress over the last couple of months. We’ve got a plan in place, trying to check all the boxes, just taking it day-by-day… Everything is on schedule. There’s not necessarily an expectation. It’s all about making sure everything is right and doing everything right and then going from there.”

The superstar then became candid about the unpredictable nature of the healing process. He did not attempt to sugarcoat how complicated his journey could be. “I want to be as honest as possible,” he said. “Going forward, we’re just going to listen to the body. I’ll be honest and say that it’s going to be unpredictable at times. That’s OK. We got to work with that. We’ve got to take it day-by-day and go from there.” Paul George, too, had an update to share with the Philly fans.

Paul George shares updates on his injury

The doubts around Paul George’s health are no longer speculation. Zach Harper had already reported that PG underwent left knee surgery in July, with the Sixers planning to reassess him before training camp. That uncertainty has lingered, and Harper’s caution proved valid. After all, George has logged only 304 games in six seasons, averaging just over 50 per year. With that history, the Sixers know setbacks hover nearby even while they cling to optimism.

On Friday, George addressed the cameras and confirmed the reality. “I won’t be, I don’t think, a part of camp going into it, but I do have a voice in being a part of the team to help the young guys…” he said. The veteran stressed that he feels good but needs time to regain full strength. George explained he can handle nearly everything except full contact. “He’s right there—just needs a bit more time.” The message is simple: His return remains close, yet patience is still the ticket.

On the other hand, it was the 20-year-old VJ Edgecombe, the 3rd draft pick of the season, who stole some considerable spotlight. There weren’t any veterans or sophomores who didn’t have a kind word for him. The Baylor alumnus is the new star; he brings the offense and defense, and the much-needed athleticism to the floor. And he has some goals this season.

VJ Edgecombe lays out his goals for the 76ers

Sixers beat writer Zach Ciavolella asked VJ about his experience in the team’s extra physical practices. Without a moment’s hesitation, the rookie replied: “I’m comfortable out there. I’m used to a physical game. I thrive off of it… It’s been physical, but I feel like it’s all gonna make us better, help us connect more on the floor.” He also added, “I’ve grown a lot in every aspect of the game. Just becoming a better player in general, both offensively and defensively. I’ve been working a lot on my shooting, finishing, and playmaking. I feel like I’ve grown a lot everywhere.”

From the moment the Sixers drafted Edgecombe, the organization has buzzed with praise about his energy and potential. Now Joel Embiid has added his voice, and it carries weight. The former MVP drew parallels between their paths, both shaped by international roots and early hardships. For a locker room seeking fresh sparks, Embiid’s stamp of approval sets the tone for Edgecombe’s arrival.

When asked about the rookie, Embiid kept it genuine. “Oh, I like him a lot,” he said. “I’ve talked to him a lot, and you know, as soon as we drafted him, I just knew I would like him. I like his background; kind of reminds me of myself. Coming from another country, having a lot of hardships growing up. He’s an amazing kid so far.” Those words signal belief, but the true measure will come with what Edgecombe delivers in year one.

Tyrese Maxey’s attempts at winning back the trust of Philly fans

Tyrese Maxey made his message clear at media day: the Sixers need continuity to climb where they want to go. Consistency has been his calling card for three years, even as injuries defined the team’s story. He knows a standard must stretch across the roster and organization. If Philly finally makes it work, Maxey will deserve a lion’s share of the credit.

“I think the biggest thing that I’m trying to accomplish is like… We need a standard. Like, this is who we are every single day, no matter who plays, no matter who doesn’t play. When you see ‘Philadelphia 76ers,’ this is what you see,” Maxey said. “You’re going to see that team every single night… Every single time you turn the TV on, every single time you step foot in… Whatever arena that we’re playing in, this is the team that you’re gonna get, and this is the type of culture you’re gonna get… I think that’s the biggest thing…”

But the most crucial highlight of the day was Daryl Morey’s comment on Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Jared McCain’s injury.

Daryl Morey speaks about Joel Embiid & Paul George, and throws in insights on Jared McCain

When will the Philly fans see The Process and PG on the floor together? “I think we’re, and I think you heard it from them, and this is straight from the doctors, we’re not getting into the expectations game. The doctors’ advice, what Joel said about listening to his body. which is a big component in how doctors manage injuries, that’s going to be what carries the day this year,” the President of basketball operations of the Philadelphia 76ers said.

Meanwhile, Jared McCain tore the UCL in his right thumb during a workout on Thursday, just hours before media day and days before camp begins. With the Sixers bound for Abu Dhabi, the timing feels cruel, as if the current threat was about to drag them under early. Specialists are weighing surgery or alternative treatments, and the next update looms with uncertainty.

Speaking about the situation, Morey noted that McCain’s thumb injury “couldn’t have been more flukey” and said the team is still working with doctors to figure out when he’ll be back.

The Sixers walked out of media day carrying equal parts hope and caution, a cocktail only Philly could pour. Embiid vowed patience, George asked for time, Edgecombe promised fire, and Maxey demanded a standard. McCain’s thumb added a cruel twist, yet Morey framed it all with calm resolve. The season begins with questions, but the ambition feels louder.