“I probably need to fix the problem, and then I’ll be back at that level,” that was something Joel Embiid knew he would have to do in order to be at his peak again. He has dealt with left knee issues and undergone two surgeries over the past two seasons. The Philadelphia 76ers are hopeful that the latest procedure in April will help ‘The Process’ have a healthy season.

So far, even Embiid doesn’t know what that will look like. He recently opened up about his recovery, being open to whatever that looks like. “I think going forward, we’re just going to listen to the body. I’ll be honest and say it’s going to be unpredictable at times, and that’s okay. We’re going to work with that,” he said, according to 76ers reporter Kyle Neubeck.

In the build-up to the season, Joel Embiid has been working out on the court, sharing time with his teammates. However, there are no indications of his participation in team activities. Because the knee has been a lingering issue, the 76ers have prepared a regimen for Embiid to ease into the season.

“We’ve got a plan in place, trying to check all of the boxes…this is still kind of a feel period where we’re just taking it day by day…there’s been a few court sessions, everything’s on schedule,” the former MVP added on media day. So how will the new season look for Embiid and the 76ers?

They need to make the most out of it. But while desperation caps over the franchise, they can’t rush Joel Embiid. Fans can expect the same security measures as last season. Once healthy, Embiid may not feature in back-to-backs. At this point, the individual accolades don’t matter. So even if the 7-time All-Star doesn’t play 65 games, Philly won’t mind.

The priority is to have him fit for the postseason with minimal workload in the regular season. Because, as embarrassing as their record was last season, the 76ers are aware that they could very well capitalize this year.

Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers, is not out of scary waters yet

How often does it happen that the injury bug bites a team for two years straight? If there is a list, it’s short. Unfortunately, the 76ers might be a part of it. Ahead of training camp, Jared McCain suffered a UCL tear during a workout. His availability is in doubt as surgery could be an option. Additionally, even Paul George is yet to return to on-court activities after undergoing knee surgery in July.

Joel Embiid remains on that list, too. But on a positive note, it’s not as bad as last season. Getting healthy will be the 76ers’ top priority this season. And if they manage to do so, they are a lethal group.

The Eastern Conference is severely weakened due to some major injuries. The Celtics won’t have Jayson Tatum possibly for the entire season. Indiana will miss Tyrese Haliburton after his gut-wrenching injury in the Finals. During a season, the 76ers would want to be careful with health, but the decline in competition makes it ideal for their players.

For that, they need to manage Embiid’s workload well. Barring last season, ‘The Process’ has averaged over 28 points in each of the last three seasons. When healthy, Joel Embiid can win games all on his own. While he will miss games here and there, the 76ers have a roster to manage games without him.

Tyrese Maxey just averaged 26.3 points, and eventually, George and McCain will also return. Having Andre Drummond allows them to systemically manage Joel Embiid’s minutes throughout the season. As rare as it is, this season, being careful is what might propel the Philadelphia 76ers in the Eastern Conference.