Perhaps the Sixers have no choice but to be optimistic. Reviving their championship aspirations in 2025-26 likely hinges on Embiid getting back to something resembling his old self.

I don’t think it’s healthy to go two, three months before seeing each other," Paul George said, "regardless of if we’re checking in over the phone. It’s just different seeing each other.” ...

PHILADELPHIA — Jared McCain and Joel Embiid spent a lot of time on the bench together during this Philadelphia 76ers season.