Philadelphia 76ers president of basketball operations Mike Gansey called Joel Embiid extra motivated
for the 2026-27 season, citing the center’s first healthy summer in years and the team’s additions of LeBron James and Jaylen Brown. The 76ers aim to build on their season, with Embiid’s health and workload management critical to their goals.
Philadelphia 76ers president of basketball operations Mike Gansey described Joel Embiid as extra motivated
for the 2026-27 season, highlighting the center’s first healthy summer in years and the team’s revamped roster. In interviews with ESPN, Gansey emphasized Embiid’s eagerness to play “a lot of games” and his excitement about the 76ers’ new-look squad, which includes LeBron James and Jaylen Brown. This is like the first summer I think in a while that he’s been healthy, so he’s been in the gym working out,
Gansey said, adding that Embiid wants to play a lot of games, and he’s excited about the group we’ve built now.
Embiid’s Health and Motivation
Embiid’s motivation stems from both personal ambition and the 76ers’ roster overhaul. After three consecutive seasons plagued by injuries—including a torn meniscus in 2023-24 and limited appearances in 2024-25—the 32-year-old center has spent the offseason focusing on fitness rather than recovery. Even before these trades and LeBron, I think he was excited. So he’s motivated to have a good year and he’s ready to go,
Gansey said. This marks a shift from previous summers, when Embiid often prioritized rehab over preparation.
Embiid’s health has become a focal point for the 76ers, who see his availability as key to their aspirations. The team’s new leadership, led by Gansey, has pledged to map it out and see what’s best for him and the team
regarding his workload. We’ll sit down, talk to him, talk to performance staff, talk to [coach] Nick [Nurse] and try to figure out a plan,
Gansey said, though no specific game count was announced.
Team Dynamics and New Additions
Despite the star-studded roster, Gansey emphasized that Embiid remains central to everything the team hopes to accomplish. We have LeBron and Jaylen, but Joel’s going to be as important as those guys,
he said. This sentiment was echoed by forward Dominick Barlow, who noted the 76ers’ versatility to play a bunch of different lineups
and the potential for shooting-heavy possibilities
or bigger defensive groups
depending on matchups.
Workload Management Plan
Managing Embiid’s workload will be critical to avoiding another injury-plagued season. The 76ers’ plan involves collaboration between Embiid, the performance staff, and coach Nick Nurse. These guys want to play every game, but we got to map it out and see what’s best for him and the team,
Gansey said. This approach mirrors the cautious strategy used with other star players, though Embiid’s history of knee issues makes his case particularly delicate.
Embiid’s season—marked by 38 games played—highlighted the risks of overuse. The 76ers’ new-look roster, which also includes Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, and Anfernee Simons, offers depth but raises questions about how to distribute minutes. Sacrifice will be big for us,
Gansey said, acknowledging the need for everyone and emphasizing the unique challenge of integrating multiple superstars.
The 76ers’ strategy will come into focus once the NBA schedule is released. Gansey hinted that the team would finalize Embiid’s role once the schedule was released next week, though no timeline was provided. The upcoming training camp and preseason will also be crucial in determining how the roster gels, with Nurse tasked with balancing the talents of James, Brown, and Embiid.
For now, the 76ers’ messaging centers on optimism.
