The 2025-26 NBA season has not even tipped off yet, but the buzz around the Philadelphia 76ers is already heating up. With the team once again chasing relevance in the Eastern Conference, all eyes turn to Joel Embiid, the franchise cornerstone, 2023 MVP, and one of the most dominant big men of his generation. Yet this time, the conversation isn’t just about Embiid’s health or his ability to carry the Sixers back into contention—it’s about his desire to mentor the next wave of young big men and ensure they grow into future stars.

The Weight of Expectation: Sixers Need Embiid Healthy

The Sixers’ championship hopes remain tethered to the availability of their superstar. After being limited to only 19 games in the 2024-25 season due to recurring knee injuries, questions swirled about whether Embiid could still be the reliable force needed to push Philadelphia into contention.

The Sixers fell short, missing critical stretches without their leader, and fans were left wondering whether the “Process” era was fading into memory. Now, as training camp rolls around, Embiid’s health is once again the top storyline. But unlike years past, Embiid himself has been shifting the narrative—speaking not only about personal dominance but about leadership, mentorship, and building a culture of accountability within the roster.

A Different Joel Embiid: From Star to Mentor

The new season brings a new Embiid, one who seems more focused on creating impact beyond his individual stat line. The Sixers have added young frontcourt prospects like Adem Bona, Johni Broome, Jabari Walker, and Dominick Barlow. For most rookies or young role players, being around a superstar can be intimidating. But Embiid has been open about his role: to guide them, challenge them, and pass down lessons from his own journey.

According to Embiid, these young players are already proving they are serious about growth. They arrive early, work relentlessly, and carry themselves like professionals—qualities Embiid himself admits he had to learn the hard way when he first entered the league. The veteran big man made it clear: mentorship is not optional—it’s essential if the Sixers are to grow into a sustainable contender.

Lessons From Mistakes: Embiid Opens Up

One of the most striking elements of Embiid’s comments is his willingness to admit that he has made mistakes throughout his career. Whether it was handling injuries, dealing with conditioning issues, or navigating the pressure of being “the face of the franchise,” Embiid knows the challenges of NBA stardom.

He compared basketball to fatherhood, emphasizing that, just like parenting, being a professional requires constant learning, patience, and humility. This kind of vulnerability from a superstar is rare in the NBA, and it signals that Embiid is embracing a new chapter as a leader, not just a scorer. While he did not reveal specifics about those mistakes, his message was clear: he wants the younger Sixers to avoid the pitfalls that cost him valuable time and opportunities early in his career.

Why Mentorship Matters for the Sixers’ Future

For the 76ers organization, having Embiid in a mentorship role may be just as important as having him healthy on the floor. The franchise has been through countless resets and rebuilds, from “The Process” years to the highs and lows of playoff heartbreaks.

As the front office looks to establish a sustainable identity, the development of its younger players is critical. Big men like Bona and Broome won’t just serve as backups; they could become crucial rotational pieces or even future starters if they are properly groomed. And there’s no better teacher than Embiid—one of the league’s most skilled centers, who blends size, footwork, shooting, and defensive presence into a nearly unmatched package.

The Human Side of Joel Embiid

Beyond the X’s and O’s, what resonates most with fans is seeing Embiid mature into a leader who cares about more than just his own accolades. His MVP trophy in 2023 was the crowning achievement of years of dedication, but the next step in his legacy might not be another award—it might be the success of the players he helps elevate.

In an era when superstars often focus only on their brand or statistics, Embiid’s willingness to invest in his teammates’ growth stands out. The comparison to fatherhood wasn’t accidental. Embiid himself has embraced family life and understands the patience it takes to guide others through trial and error. That perspective seems to be shaping how he approaches mentoring his teammates. Fans who once only saw the fiery competitor are now seeing a more reflective, thoughtful version of Embiid.

The Injury Factor: What Can Be Controlled?

Of course, the shadow that lingers over everything is injuries. Embiid was candid in acknowledging that certain things in basketball cannot be controlled—landing on another player’s foot, twisting an ankle, or suffering a knee setback. However, he emphasized the importance of preparation, conditioning, and recovery habits.

These are lessons he intends to pass down to the younger Sixers. In the NBA, durability can often be the difference between a promising career and a wasted opportunity. If Embiid can teach his younger teammates to build resilient bodies and smarter routines, he may be setting them up for far longer careers than many expect.

Can the Sixers Rebuild Around Embiid’s Leadership?

The big question is how this new leadership role translates to wins. The Sixers have been haunted by playoff disappointments for nearly a decade. With James Harden long gone, Tyrese Maxey stepping up as the young star guard, and a mix of veterans and fresh faces on the roster, the Sixers are entering a transitional era.

Embiid’s health is still the foundation—but leadership and mentorship could be the glue that keeps the team together through adversity. For Philadelphia fans, this offers a sense of hope. The franchise is no stranger to drama and setbacks, but if Embiid can anchor both on the court and in the locker room, the Sixers could surprise many in the East this season.

The Bigger Picture: Legacy at Stake

For Embiid, this isn’t just about 2025—it’s about legacy. Championships define great players, but leadership defines how they are remembered.

If Embiid can raise up a new generation of Sixers talent, his impact on the franchise could extend beyond his own playing years. Think about legends like Tim Duncan or Kevin Garnett—both were not only dominant but also helped shape teammates who carried their lessons forward. Embiid has the same opportunity now, and it could become the most important chapter of his career.

Fans React: Curiosity and High Expectations

On social media, Sixers fans are already buzzing about Embiid’s comments. Some are excited, seeing this as a sign of maturity and growth. Others remain skeptical, pointing out that without Embiid on the floor, leadership alone won’t win games.

Still, the curiosity is undeniable. What will the younger big men look like after spending a season under Embiid’s wing? Will this shift finally break the Sixers’ cycle of underachievement? These are the questions driving conversation across Philadelphia and the NBA community at large.

Conclusion: More Than Just a Season

As the 2025-26 NBA season approaches, the Philadelphia 76ers find themselves at a crossroads. Joel Embiid is no longer just the superstar tasked with carrying the team offensively—he is now the mentor, the teacher, and the voice of experience guiding the next wave.

The future of Adem Bona, Johni Broome, Jabari Walker, and Dominick Barlow may hinge on how much they can absorb from him. For Embiid, the challenge is bigger than staying healthy; it’s about building something lasting in Philadelphia. If he succeeds, this season might not only change the Sixers’ trajectory—it might redefine Embiid’s legacy entirely.