Joel Embiid is entering a season that could help reshape his legacy, and by all accounts, he seems to be taking it seriously. With the talent assembled around him, Embiid can focus more on taking care of himself, both on and off the court, to ensure he's healthy when the playoffs arrive.
The spotlight has followed Embiid throughout his career, but with the Sixers entering the season with championship aspirations, the attention on him and the team will only intensify.
Philadelphia's season-opening win over the New York Knicks offered an early glimpse of how Embiid can contribute without carrying the same offensive burden he has for much of his career.
Here are three realistic expectations for Joel Embiid in the 2026-27 season:
The Sixers have dealt with cultural issues throughout Embiid's tenure. He entered the league during one of the worst stretches of losing in recent memory, struggled to establish a winning culture alongside Ben Simmons as the team ascended and didn't have enough time with James Harden to build lasting continuity. For much of his career, Tyrese Maxey also wasn't in a position to challenge Embiid as an equal.
That changes with the additions of LeBron James and Jaylen Brown.
If Embiid is serious about changing old habits and preparing himself to be a major contributor to a championship run, he can start by learning from the two champions who are now his teammates.
LeBron and Brown have a combined five championships and five Finals MVP awards. Both understand what it takes to maintain their bodies through the demands of a long NBA season, and neither figures to shy away from holding Embiid accountable.
If they notice a dip in his preparation or disagree with his approach, they have the experience and standing to challenge him. Embiid's responsibility is to be receptive to that accountability while maintaining the standards expected of a player with his talent and experience.
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For most of Embiid's career, the Sixers have gone as he has gone. Now 32 years old, taking some of that pressure off himself, both mentally and physically, could benefit him and the team.
The Sixers no longer need Embiid to average close to 30 points per game to win. With LeBron, Brown and Maxey alongside him, he can focus on fitting into the team's offensive system rather than being the focal point of every possession.
Philadelphia's opening-night victory over New York provided an early example. Embiid finished with 13 points and 11 rebounds, but his contributions extended beyond scoring, including three blocks and two steals.
Embiid will still have nights when he looks like the best offensive player in the world. If he maintains his current conditioning, he could also regain some of his explosiveness as he gets further removed from serious injuries and surgeries.
But there may be no better time in his career to embrace a different approach. Embiid will have opportunities to take over games. The challenge is recognizing when to do so and when to let his teammates lead the way.
The Sixers have the personnel to be a nightmare for opposing teams in transition.
Philadelphia entered the season with four players who ranked among the NBA's top 20 in transition points per game last season, including LeBron James and Tyrese Maxey, who led the league at 5.5 and 5.4 points per game, respectively, according to HoopsJunkie. Both finished more than a full point ahead of third-place Kawhi Leonard.
That potential was on display in the season opener, when the Sixers scored 24 fast-break points against the Knicks.
Embiid isn't built to keep pace with Philadelphia's quickest players in the open floor. His defensive positioning often leaves him trailing the play, and he doesn't have the speed or mobility to consistently run alongside his teammates.
Instead, Embiid can maximize the Sixers' transition offense by mastering the role of the trailer.
As he makes his way up the court, he can provide an outlet for perimeter shooting when opposing defenses collapse toward the basket. He can also help Philadelphia flow into its half-court offense when an initial transition opportunity breaks down.
If Embiid can consistently fill that role, the Sixers will have another way to take advantage of their offensive talent without asking their center to do more than necessary.
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