November 2, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Joel Embiid’s Troubling Skid
In an unexpected turn of events, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid failed to make a single field goal during a game on Friday night, marking the second occurrence of this rare feat in his career and the first in seven years. This alarming performance is a continuation of a troubling trend, as Embiid has not made a three-point shot in his last six outings, currently sitting at 0 for 17 from beyond the arc. His overall shooting percentage has plummeted to a career-low 38% this season.
Adjustment Challenges and Physical Concerns
While many anticipated a period of adjustment for Embiid as he integrated new teammates, including stars Jaylen Brown and LeBron James, there are growing concerns that his struggles may not merely stem from the transition. Observers question whether Embiid’s body remains capable of enduring the rigors of another NBA season.
The Impact of Injuries
Years of injury setbacks have undoubtedly taken their toll on Embiid. He has undergone three surgical procedures on his left knee and continues to grapple with cartilage issues following his most recent surgery in 2025. Despite his claims of improved health during the offseason, his current performance on the court tells a different story.
Defensive Decline
Since the season opener against the New York Knicks, Embiid’s defensive effectiveness has seen a sharp decline. Initially impressive in executing drop coverage, he was adept at thwarting Jalen Brunson’s drives and contesting lob passes. However, in subsequent games, he appears to have struggled with pick-and-roll situations, notably against players like Evan Mobley, who successfully exploited gaps in his defense.
Offensive Struggles
Further complicating matters, Embiid’s offensive contributions have diminished significantly. He has faced challenges in maintaining his position on the block, often being outmaneuvered by players like James Harden. This has resulted in poor shot selection, particularly from long range.
Team Performance Amidst Individual Struggles
Despite Embiid’s visible struggles, Tyrese Maxey’s emergence as a top-10 offensive threat has partially obscured the issues within the team. Nonetheless, the 76ers rank 20th in three-point shooting percentage at 33.3% and 24th in scoring, averaging just 109.4 points per game, yet they still lead the league with the best record after ten games.
Looking Ahead
The 76ers’ perimeter defense has exceeded expectations so far this season; however, it remains uncertain how sustainable this performance will be. With concerns regarding depth at the center position, especially with Adem Bona sidelined due to injury, it is crucial for Embiid to elevate his game on both offense and defense. If his difficulties are indeed health-related, the 76ers may need to consider roster improvements before the impending trade deadline.
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