Joel Embiid returns after 8-month injury, slams media critics

The Philadelphia 76ers received a significant boost in their 126–110 preseason win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday, October 18 (Philippine Standard Time), at the Wells Fargo Center, as franchise star Joel Embiid returned to the court for the first time in nearly eight months.

Making his much-anticipated comeback, Embiid played 19 minutes and posted an impressive stat line: 14 points, seven rebounds, eight assists, and three steals, shooting 5-of-10 from the field and 2-of-4 from beyond the arc. The 76ers outscored the Timberwolves by 12 points during his time on the floor—a clear sign of his impact.

Saturday’s game marked Embiid’s first appearance since February 22. The 31-year-old center had been sidelined with a left knee injury that plagued him for much of last season. He missed the final 26 games of the 2023–24 campaign and never played more than four consecutive games during that stretch. The injury also kept him out of the first nine games of the 2024–25 season.

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In the post-game press conference, Embiid addressed criticism he has received during his time away—particularly from the media.

A return to remember for Joel Embiid tonight 🔔

14 PTS | 7 REB | 8 AST | 3 STL | 18 MIN pic.twitter.com/AgnSIryKGn

— NBA (@NBA) October 18, 2025

“I see all these guys. I’m here to help out,” said Embiid. “According to a lot of your peers in the media, I’m not even a top-100 basketball player in the league. So, I guess I just got to fit in and see where I can help the team win.”

Embiid’s time on the sidelines significantly impacted his league-wide perception. Despite averaging 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.4 assists across 19 appearances last season, his injury history saw him drop to No. 47 in ESPN’s Top 100 NBA Players, after ranking eighth the previous year. The Ringer placed him at No. 54, while Bleacher Report ranked him 26th.

Still, Embiid emphasized that his return is less about rankings and more about rediscovering the joy of playing the game.

“I don’t want to really think about the past. I’m just in a good space mentally, physically. I’m just happy to touch the basketball and be able to play basketball and do what I love,” he said. “When you don’t get to do that, it’s tough. But that’s what I’m most happy about—being back on the court, doing some good things, helping us win.”

The 76ers, led by head coach Nick Nurse, will be hopeful that Embiid can stay healthy throughout the season, especially after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery in April. When fit, Embiid remains one of the league’s most dominant players, evidenced by his 2023 NBA MVP award, back-to-back NBA scoring titles, and seven NBA All-Star selections.

As the Sixers gear up for the regular season, Embiid’s successful return offers a promising sign for a team with championship aspirations.

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