No Timeline: Joel Embiid and Paul George still in recovery mode after knee surgeries

Sixers fans looking for clarity didn’t get much from Joel Embiid and Paul George during today’s media day. Embiid and George both admitted there’s no definitive timeline for their returns, and that’s not exactly the confidence boost Philly wanted heading into camp.

When the question was asked to Daryl Morey with Nick Nurse by his side, they both declined to set a timeline as well and rolled out the classic plan to follow the doctors advice.

To be clear, this was expected. Today was never going to bring clarity.

Morey and Nurse on Joel Embiid:

Daryl Morey has declined to set a timeline for Joel Embiid's return, plans to follow the doctors advice 😬

(h/t @ohnohedidnt24)pic.twitter.com/roC1Y5bKll

— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) September 26, 2025

Embiid, who played just 19 games last year before shutting it down, says he feels “pretty good” but it’s all about boxes checked, day by day. While it was great to our guy behind the podium once again, it was pretty clear that fans shouldn’t expect him rushing back anytime soon.

Joel Embiid on Recovery Timeline:

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid provides an update on his health entering his 10th season at age 31:

“I feel pretty good. We made a lot of progress over the last couple months. We got a plan in place…Everything is on schedule…There’s not necessarily an expectation.” pic.twitter.com/NGtWkJBL6t

— SPORTSRADIO 94WIP (@SportsRadioWIP) September 26, 2025

“I feel pretty good. We made a lot of progress over the last couple months. We got a plan in place…Everything is on schedule…There’s not necessarily an expectation.”

Embiid also bristled at the idea of changing his style of play to protect his body, flat-out saying he won’t be the guy who coasts on defense just to preserve himself. That’s all well and good, but as we know all too well, his body hasn’t exactly held up playing both ends during his Sixers career.

Paul George is pretty much the same story.

He had arthroscopic knee surgery in July, says he can do everything except full contact, and is “hoping” to be ready sooner rather than later. The problem is, we’ve heard this before. George played just 41 games last year after signing his massive deal, and admitted 2024-25 was “rock bottom.”

Not exactly a ringing endorsement but the silver lining here is that Paul George still believes he’s an elite basketball player, so take that as you will.

Paul George thinks he’s still an elite basketball player

"I'm the Paul George that the 76ers went out and signed. I do think I still got a lot of game in me, playing at a high level."

(h/t @ohnohedidnt24 ) pic.twitter.com/yoe9PfBqAT

— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) September 26, 2025

So yeah, there you have it. Both of our guys are saying the right things, but “no timeline” heading into October is obviously not ideal.

The Sixers can talk about depth all they want, but this season is going to be decided by whether Joel Embiid and Paul George are actually on the court when it matters. Until then, all we’ve got is hope and rehab reports.

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