In his first public remarks since the start of the 2024-25 regular season, Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid addressed criticism regarding his absence from games this season, which the team has attributed to “left knee injury management.”

“When I hear people say, ‘He doesn’t want to play,’ … I’ve done too much for this city and put myself at risk for anyone to say that. It’s frustrating,” Embiid stated, referencing a recent column in the Philadelphia Inquirer that suggested fans should receive refunds when he doesn’t play.

“I’ve put in too much for this city to be treated this way,” he added.

Embiid highlighted instances from previous seasons where he played through pain, despite the risk of further injury, including multiple facial fractures, knee issues, and broken fingers.

“I’ve done it all. I’ve broken my face twice and returned early, risking my vision, dealt with broken fingers, and still came back,” Embiid explained.

He also expressed a wish for better luck in his injury history, saying, “But that doesn’t mean I’m not doing everything I can to be back out there soon.”

At 30 years old, Embiid has missed 372 regular-season games, including the four this season, and eight playoff games since being drafted by the 76ers as the No. 3 pick in 2014. Last season, he missed 43 games due to a torn meniscus in his left knee but returned just before the playoffs. He also played through Bell’s palsy during the postseason, which affected the muscles on the left side of his face.

Despite playing for Team USA in the Olympics in August, Embiid has yet to participate in an NBA game this season. He mentioned that “everybody” has been aligned with the plan to rehabilitate his left knee, although coach Nick Nurse and Sixers management have been vague about the specifics of Embiid’s situation and the timeline for his return. The term “ramp-up” has been frequently mentioned, but details regarding its duration and Embiid’s current status have been unclear.

“I think mentally, I’m working on regaining that trust,” Embiid said Friday. “In the past, it was easier, but this time it’s about trusting myself and my body. That’s what I’m focusing on.”

The NBA fined Philadelphia $100,000 on Tuesday for misrepresenting Embiid’s absence following comments from president of basketball operations Daryl Morey and Nurse. This penalty came after Embiid and newly signed free agent Paul George missed the season opener against the Milwaukee Bucks, which aired on ESPN.

The league found that the designation of “left knee injury management” for Embiid was accurate and that he did not sustain a new injury, though his knee remained unstable enough to justify his absence last week. However, Morey’s remarks during an ESPN interview about prioritizing Embiid’s health for the playoffs contributed to the fine, according to league sources.

On Friday, Embiid participated fully in practice for the first time this season, including 5-on-5 scrimmages. He was ruled out for Saturday’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies but is nearing a return.

“I communicate with them, they communicate with me, and we assess how everything reacts,” Embiid said. “Everything’s been going well. Today was a great practice with the entire team.”

Over eight NBA seasons, Embiid has averaged 27.9 points, 11.2 rebounds, and 3.6 assists across 433 regular-season games.

George, who has missed all four regular-season games this season due to a preseason knee injury, was also a full participant in Friday’s practice but was ruled out for Saturday’s game.

The 76ers have started the season 1-3 without Embiid and George, despite guard Tyrese Maxey averaging 31.5 points in 42 minutes per game. The team’s supporting cast has struggled with shooting, converting only 27.7 percent from three-point range ahead of the matchup against Memphis.