Joel Embiid’s basketball career may already be on the back nine. While speaking on SiriusXM radio, Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer speculated that the former MVP may be forced into an early retirement thanks to nagging injuries in his knees and back.

Having struggled with injuries for the majority of the last campaign, speculation regarding Joel Embiid‘s future in the NBA has only picked up pace ahead of the 2025-26 season. With the center yet to confirm his availability for the start of the upcoming season,

The Philadelphia 76ers suffered through a brutal 2024-25 NBA season. With both Joel Embiid and Paul George missing huge chunks of the season due to injuries, the team never had a chance to live up to their full ability.