Philadelphia 76ers’ center Joel Embiid expressed his fierce desire to bring a championship to Philadelphia at the start of the season, vowing he’d be on the court to lead his team.

Yet, so far, Embiid hasn’t logged any regular-season minutes as he navigates recovery from offseason surgery and a recent decision to stop playing back-to-back games.

With the Sixers sitting at 1-3, fans are anxiously awaiting his return, and a new update on his health may finally offer some good news.

NBA insider Shams Charania provided a hopeful update on Embiid’s status, reporting that the Sixers’ star has shown encouraging progress in recent practices.

“I’ve reported, he has participated in at least 3 5-on-5 scrimmages with the 76ers over the last week,” Charania said on NBA Today.

“But today’s was more monumental than any of the prior ones because this involved all of his teammates. And that is a big moment for Joel Embiid.”

He emphasized that Embiid is determined to be “100% game ready with that left knee before he takes the court,” and his return could be just around the corner.

Embiid underwent meniscus surgery on his left knee in February, a recovery process that has been closely watched by fans and analysts. His rushed return during last season’s playoffs, despite dealing with a minor case of Bell’s Palsy, raised concerns about his long-term durability.

While Embiid’s dedication to his team was evident, many questioned whether pushing himself so quickly after surgery might impact his performance this season.

Mounting frustrations amid delayed return

The extended recovery time has tested Embiid’s patience, especially as public criticism about his decision to skip back-to-backs has created added pressure.

Embiid remains deeply committed to helping the 76ers succeed but is equally focused on ensuring he’s fully ready before he makes his season debut. His frustration is evident, as he has openly shared the challenges of dealing with setbacks and negative reactions from fans and media.

Meanwhile, the 76ers are eager to have their star back on the court. Embiid’s presence is not only crucial to their performance but also to their morale, especially as they work to climb up the standings in his absence.

His recent scrimmages with the full team mark a promising milestone, and while he’s close to returning, both he and the Sixers’ medical staff are dedicated to a cautious approach to avoid any further setbacks.

As the Sixers prepare for their upcoming games, Embiid’s hopeful return serves as a beacon of optimism.

With fans and teammates eagerly awaiting his comeback, Embiid’s patience and determination may prove crucial in helping Philadelphia pursue the championship goal he’s set his sights on.