Joel Embiid Motivated After Healthy Offseason, Says Mike Gansey
Philadelphia 76ers president Mike Gansey has provided an encouraging update on Joel Embiid, saying the star center is entering the 2026–27 NBA season after enjoying his healthiest offseason in several years.
According to Gansey, Embiid has been able to spend the summer working out, lifting weights and preparing for the upcoming campaign without being held back by the injury issues that have affected his recent offseasons.
Embiid Has Been Working Hard This Summer
Gansey said Embiid has been regularly in the gym and appears particularly motivated heading into the new season.
The Sixers executive explained that the 31-year-old center “wants to play a lot of games” and is excited about the roster Philadelphia has assembled.
That is significant given Embiid’s recent availability struggles. After playing 66 games during his 2022–23 MVP campaign, he appeared in only 39 games in 2023–24, 19 in 2024–25 and 38 last season.
A Major New-Look 76ers Roster
Philadelphia’s offseason could give Embiid perhaps his strongest supporting cast yet.
The Sixers acquired Jaylen Brown in a blockbuster trade with Boston and then added LeBron James in free agency. They will join Embiid and Tyrese Maxey as the foundation of an extremely talented roster.
The additions have naturally raised expectations around Philadelphia, particularly after the team reached the Eastern Conference semifinals last season.
76ers Will Carefully Manage His Workload
While Embiid is reportedly healthy and eager to play, Gansey emphasized that the organization will still be careful with his workload.
The Sixers plan to work with Embiid, head coach Nick Nurse and the team’s performance staff to determine the best approach for the season.
The objective will be to keep Embiid healthy for the most important part of the campaign rather than simply maximizing his regular-season workload.
Embiid Was Motivated Even Before LeBron Arrived
Interestingly, Gansey said Embiid’s motivation did not suddenly appear after Philadelphia’s blockbuster offseason.
According to Gansey, Embiid was already excited about the upcoming season before the additions of Brown and LeBron James. The new roster has simply given him another reason to be enthusiastic about what lies ahead.
A Crucial Season Ahead
For Embiid, the 2026–27 campaign could be particularly important. He remains one of the NBA’s most dominant players when healthy, but availability has become one of the biggest questions surrounding his career.
Last season, he averaged 26.9 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists in 38 games.
If he can remain healthy while playing alongside LeBron, Brown and Maxey, Philadelphia could have the offensive firepower to make a serious championship run.
The Bottom Line
Mike Gansey’s update provides significant optimism for Philadelphia. Joel Embiid is reportedly healthy, working hard and highly motivated after enjoying his first truly healthy offseason in years. The Sixers will still need to manage his workload carefully, but with LeBron James and Jaylen Brown now joining the roster, Embiid has plenty of reasons to believe this could be one of his best opportunities to chase an NBA championship.