Emerging Concerns: Joel Embiid’s Decline Poses Significant Challenge for the 76ers

Nov 2, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) drives against the Chicago Bulls during the second quarter at Xfinity Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Joel Embiid Struggles in Recent Games

In a surprising turn of events, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid failed to make a field goal during a recent game, marking the second occurrence in his career and the first in seven years. This performance adds to his ongoing challenges, as he has yet to make a three-pointer in his last six outings, compiling a dismal 0-for-17 attempt record. Moreover, Embiid is currently experiencing a career-low shooting percentage of 38% from the field this season.

Adjustments with New Teammates

Initially, there were anticipations of a transitional period for Embiid as he adjusted to playing alongside new teammates Jaylen Brown and LeBron James. However, the root of his struggles may extend beyond merely fitting into a new dynamic.

The Toll of Past Injuries

Years of injuries have undoubtedly taken a toll on Embiid’s physical condition. Having undergone three surgeries on his left knee, he continues to grapple with ongoing cartilage issues stemming from his last procedure in 2025.

Defensive Decline

Despite claiming improved health during the offseason, his recent performances suggest otherwise. Since the season opener against the New York Knicks, Embiid’s defensive prowess has significantly declined. Although he displayed effectiveness in defending Jalen Brunson’s drives during the opener, he has appeared increasingly lost in pick-and-roll situations across his subsequent games.

Challenges on Offense

The impact of his offensive struggles compounds the issue. On several occasions, he has been pushed off the block during switches with teammate James Harden, allowing opponents like Evan Mobley to find success against him by exploiting mismatches and taking low-percentage shots.

Team Dynamics and Offensive Output

While the emergence of Tyrese Maxey as a top-10 offensive threat has masked some of the team’s weaknesses, the Philadelphia 76ers rank 20th in the league for three-point shooting at 33.3% and 24th in scoring with an average of 109.4 points per game. Remarkably, they still maintain the best record in the league despite these challenges.

Concerns Moving Forward

The Sixers’ perimeter defense has surprisingly exceeded expectations this season, but its long-term effectiveness remains uncertain. With recognized depth issues at the center position, particularly with Adem Bona sidelined due to injury, Embiid must significantly enhance his contributions on both ends of the floor. If his recent struggles are indeed health-related, it may necessitate roster improvements before the trade deadline to bolster the team’s performance.