Ex-NBA All-Star Has Message for 76ers' Joel Embiid

Joel Embiid was all smiles after the Philadelphia 76ers defeated the Kevin Durant-led Houston Rockets at home.

Not only did the star center check in for a season-high 45 minutes, but he ended up producing a triple-double. Embiid went 10-19 from the field to score 32 points. He came down with 15 rebounds and dished out 10 assists.

It seems the healthy side of Embiid is finally showing, allowing the superstar center to put together a strong stretch of games since December, and the former NBA All-Star DeMarcus Cousins is thrilled about it.

“I wouldn't say shocked, but I'm extremely happy for the big fella,” said Cousins. “I'm glad to see him getting his feet back underneath him, getting back to his dominant ways, and hopefully this is a sign of health in the moment and for the future.”

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Embiid has battled injuries since he entered the NBA. He beat the odds throughout his career, but injuries have still affected him more often than not. He was really tested over the past two years, as he underwent surgery twice. Fortunately, Embiid was healthy enough to begin the year with the Sixers.

There was a string of absences in November, where Embiid missed nine games in a row. That can be viewed as a hiccup. Since then, he has only missed seven games. Just two of those games were consecutive.

Since the calendar turned to 2026, Embiid has been averaging 27.2 points per game, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.2 assists. He’s back to looking like one of the most dominant centers in the game again, alongside Tyrese Maxey, who has been taking another noticeable jump. 

Embiid and the Sixers still have a lot to prove, but the results through January have been promising.

“He's a valuable part of this game, obviously, very valuable for this Sixers organization,” Cousins finished. “And on top all that, him being healthy actually gives them a real, legit chance in this Eastern Conference. And just seeing how everything's coming together at this point in the season, I'm sure you know, Embiid and everybody in that locker room is really happy with where things are going right now.”