Windhorst Says 76ers Are 'Cognizant' of Fans' 'Venom' and 'Scarred' from Injuries

ESPN's Brian Windhorst feels the Philadelphia 76ers are taking a cautious approach to sharing updates on Joel Embiid and Paul George's offseason progress in part because of fan reactions to the team's struggles last season.

"The 76ers operate in a different world than much of the rest of the league," Windhorst wrote in an article published Friday. "They're so scarred from injury setbacks and so cognizant of the venom from fans that, as a defense mechanism, they've learned to make no promises and lower expectations."

After signing George to a four-year max deal last offseason, the Sixers expressed optimism about both his and Embiid's health ahead of the 2024-25 campaign.

Both stars were then sidelined for last October's season opener. Embiid went on to play in just 19 games, while George was limited to 41 appearances, as the 76ers stumbled to a 24-58 finish to the campaign.

Sixers fans have already experienced some unpleasant parallels to last fall with a recent report from ESPN's Shams Charania that George will be sidelined for next Wednesday's season opener against the Boston Celtics.

The injury news surrounding Embiid has been somewhat more positive. He rejoined the Sixers for a scrimmage last Sunday, and NBA insider Chris Haynes reported Friday that he had been cleared to make his first appearance of the preseason later that day against the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Embiid appeared visibly limited in his 19 appearances last season. If he looks closer to his former MVP-caliber play during Friday's preseason finale against the Timberwolves, Sixers fans could potentially feel more optimistic about the chances they'll be watching a competitive team this season.

The 76ers are set to tip off Embiid's preseason debut Friday night at 7 p.m. ET.