Charles Barkley expresses concern for the 76ers despite good start: "They aren't going anywhere without Joel Embiid"

The Philadelphia 76ers have gotten their campaign off to a competitive start, led by the solid play of All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey. NBA legend Charles Barkley, however, cast doubt on whether the team can sustain it if big man Joel Embiid remains sidelined due to injury.

Sir Charles, who started his NBA career in Philadelphia, shared this in an interview on the “Bickley & Marotta show” on Arizona Sports radio. Barkley highlighted that while what the Sixers have done is commendable amid all the injuries they have had to deal with, they still need Embiid to be back healthy if they are to go deep this season.

“Yeah, (despite the good start) I’m concerned about the Sixers. Uh, because, you know, they, listen, I know [Tyrese] Maxey’s playing great. The rookie [VJ] Edgecombe’s been great. But listen, they’re not going anywhere without Embiid. And that’s the big elephant in the room. Uh, if he can’t come back and play, they’re not going to win the East,” Barkley said.

“And let’s be honest, the East is up for grabs. Yeah, I mean, you look at Indiana, look at the Knicks, they’re probably the two favorites. Detroit is balling right now. But the East is definitely up for grabs, but listen, the Sixers aren’t going anywhere without Joel Embiid, no matter how well the young guards play,” he added.

Missing Embiid

Joel has been limited to just six games as he continues to deal with knee issues, with the team not wanting to rush him back. In the games he played, the seven-time All-Star averaged 19.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.5 blocks in 24 minutes.

While missing the numbers and presence of Embiid, the Sixers have been battling to a winning record of 9-8, which is good enough for fourth place in the East during the ongoing NBA campaign.

Maxey has been leading the way with 32.2 points (third in the league), 7.8 assists, 4.6 rebounds and 1.6 steals. Kelly Oubre Jr., Quentin Grimes and Andre Drummond have been providing steady help while Edgecombe, the No. 3 rookie pick in this year’s NBA Draft, has lived up to his billing with all-around numbers of 15.6 points, six rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.3 steals.

Veteran Paul George has returned from knee surgery but is still playing limited minutes, which has been compounded recently by an ankle issue.

Related: Steve Kerr heaves sigh of relief after Steph Curry injury update

Waiting for their big man

Like Barkley, the Sixers are aware that if they are to consistently compete, Embiid must be with them for the fight. They cannot wait to have him back, but are also mindful not to rush him too soon.

"As a friend, you just want him to be healthy enough to play. I want him to be happy. As long as he's happy, then I'm happy. You know what I mean?" Maxey said.

“At the end of day, yes, basketball is our career, but life is his life. You know what I'm saying? You only get one life, so you got to live life to the fullest, and as long as people are happy, his family's good, he's good, and he can get on the basketball court as much as possible, then I'm happy,” he continued.

Until Embiid returns, the Sixers have no choice but to fight it out with what they have. They have good pieces to work with, and it is up to them to use them accordingly.

Related: "This is Tyrese Maxey's team" - Lou Williams explains Paul George has no pressure on him in the 2025-26 season

This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Nov 27, 2025, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.