Joel Embiid’s basketball career may already be on the back nine. While speaking on SiriusXM radio, Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer speculated that the former MVP may be forced into an early retirement thanks to nagging injuries in his knees and back.

One of the biggest questions looming over the NBA ’s upcoming seasons revolves around the long-term status of Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid. Once considered one of the most dominant big men in the league, Embiid has seen his career consistently disrupted by injuries that have limited his ability to sustain peak performance.

Having struggled with injuries for the majority of the last campaign, speculation regarding Joel Embiid‘s future in the NBA has only picked up pace ahead of the 2025-26 season. With the center yet to confirm his availability for the start of the upcoming season,