“Again?!” – Joel Embiid Might Be Out Again with a Knee Issue, and Paul George Is Still Best Friends with the Medical Room: What’s Really Going On in Philly?

INTRODUCTION: 109 Million Reasons to Worry in Philly

It’s August, and while most NBA fans are busy counting down the days until preseason tip-off, Philadelphia is already counting bodies in the medical room. Specifically, two of them. Two very expensive, very familiar ones. According to the latest reports from inside the Sixers organization, Joel Embiid may once again be sidelined due to renewed concerns over his knee health, while Paul George, the freshly acquired podcaster-turned-player, is reportedly not ready to join the team for the preseason because of the same knee issue that haunted him last year. Between the two, they’ve already missed over 100 games in the past seasons — and are set to collect a combined $109 million in salary this year alone.

So… what’s really going on in Philly?

Joel Embiid’s Knee – A Ticking Time Bomb?

When Embiid limped off the court last season, many fans prayed it was a minor scare. He came back, of course — but never looked quite right again. And now, as training camps approach, new whispers have emerged. Multiple insiders are suggesting that Embiid’s knee might not just be “resting” — it might be breaking down. Again.

This isn’t a freak incident anymore. This is a pattern. One that’s starting to feel eerily permanent. Sources close to the team have indicated ongoing swelling and discomfort, and while the Sixers have not yet released an official injury timetable, one insider reportedly described the team’s mood as “cautiously resigned.” The reigning MVP may not be ready when the season begins — and that changes everything.

Let’s not forget: Embiid has never played more than 68 games in a season. That’s not a stat anymore. That’s a narrative. One that fans, analysts, and even his teammates can’t ignore.

Paul George: Podcaster by Day, Bencher by Night?

Then there’s Paul George, whose move to Philadelphia was supposed to be a power shift. A veteran scorer, elite defender, and locker room leader. Instead, he’s quickly become a lightning rod for criticism — not for what he’s done, but for what he hasn’t even started to do.

After launching a successful podcast and spending much of the summer as a media figure, George was expected to hit the ground running in Philly. But now, with news that he won’t participate in preseason due to lingering issues from last year’s knee injury, many are starting to ask a simple — but brutal — question:

Is Paul George more committed to his microphone than his jersey?

That might sound harsh, but the numbers don’t lie. George missed 26 games last season, and with no official update on when he’ll be back to full contact practice, the skepticism is building. His ability to contribute to the Sixers’ title hopes is already under scrutiny — before even playing a minute.

$109 Million on Ice – Is This the Most Overpaid Duo in the NBA?

Let’s talk money. In a league where contracts are ballooning, Joel Embiid and Paul George stand out not just for what they’re being paid, but for how little they’re currently offering in return.

This season, Embiid will earn $51.4 million. Paul George will make $57.1 million. Together, that’s $108.5 million — rounded up in internet slang as “109 Trump Bucks.” That amount would be staggering even for healthy, dominant players. But for two stars who may not see the floor together until deep into the season, if at all? That’s the kind of math that gets GMs fired.

Fans on social media haven’t held back. “We’re paying them to be on a podcast and a stretcher,” one fan tweeted. Another wrote, “This is the NBA’s version of dead money.” Fair or not, the perception is snowballing — and it could get ugly if the trend continues.

What’s Really Going On in Philly’s Medical Department?

This isn’t just about two players. It’s about a system that seems unable to keep its stars healthy. Over the last five years, the Sixers have consistently struggled with player health, from Embiid and Ben Simmons to now George. Is it bad luck? Or is there something deeper going on behind the scenes?

Several former Sixers have quietly questioned the team’s approach to rehab and conditioning. While no one has gone on record recently, whispers of “poor load management,” “rushed returns,” and “mistrust in training staff” have long lingered around the organization.

Even Embiid himself hinted last year that he “plays through pain because he has to.” That’s not a sustainable model. That’s a lawsuit waiting to happen.

Is This Season Already in Jeopardy for Philly?

Here’s the brutal truth: If Embiid and George aren’t healthy by November, the Sixers’ season is already in trouble. This team has built its hopes — and budget — around two injury-prone stars, and that gamble may already be backfiring.

The Eastern Conference is no joke. The Bucks, Celtics, and Knicks have all retooled. The Heat are always lurking. And meanwhile, the Sixers are stuck with a maxed-out cap, a fragile superstar, and another one still adjusting to “return-to-play protocols.”

There’s also the James Harden shadow still lingering, with some fans wondering if the Sixers ever recovered from the instability of that era. Bringing in Paul George was supposed to be the answer. But if he’s not even suiting up, what did they really solve?

Fans Are Furious – But Should They Be Surprised?

For years, Embiid has carried this team. He’s played through injuries, heartbreaks, and endless postseason exits. But even Superman has limits — and his knees might be screaming louder than the crowd this time.

As for George, well… Philadelphia fans aren’t known for their patience. And if he’s seen doing more podcast interviews than layup drills, expect the boo birds to come early.

But maybe we shouldn’t be shocked. Maybe this is the NBA’s new normal: stars with big names and fragile frames, cashing big checks while franchises hold their breath every time they jump.

CONCLUSION: Will They Ever Play Together? Or Will Philly Burn Another Season Waiting?

Here’s what we know: The Sixers have two megastars, both dealing with familiar injuries, both already drawing criticism before the first preseason whistle. And yet, they’re still the team to watch — if they can ever stay on the court.

Will Embiid bounce back again? Will Paul George prove his critics wrong? Or will this be another year where Philly dreams big and wakes up in rehab?