Maxey: Healthy Joel Embiid 'Changes Everything' for 76ers During Preseason

Tyrese Maxey noted that Joel Embiid's presence in training camp has allowed the 76ers to spend three weeks drilling specific sets with new teammates.

Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey stated Thursday that a healthy Joel Embiid "changes everything" for the roster as they integrate new additions including LeBron James and Jaylen Brown. Unlike previous seasons where injuries limited his availability, the 2023 NBA MVP participated in this year's training camp and preseason, allowing the team to install complex offensive packages rather than learning on the fly during games. Maxey, who has played with the center for six years, noted that the team has spent approximately three weeks drilling specific tendencies and positioning.

Embiid’s availability follows a 2023-24 campaign where he appeared in only 38 games while managing right hip complications, left knee issues, and appendicitis. Throughout his 10-year career, the center has averaged 49 games per season and has exceeded the 60-game mark only four times. He has never played a full 82-game schedule and missed his first two professional seasons entirely due to injury.

Regarding his current physical status, Embiid expressed high confidence in his health, specifically noting that his knee is no longer a primary concern. The 76ers are utilizing this healthy stretch to familiarize new players with Embiid's preferred catch points and cutting lanes, a process Maxey described as difficult for those who have not previously played alongside a big man of his caliber.