Sixers star Joel Embiid gives insight into his summer workout plans

PHILADELPHIA -- For the first time in quite a while, Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid can go into the summer looking to work on his body and prepare for a new season rather than having to rehab.

Embiid has spent a number of previous offseasons having to rehab from some type of surgery, but in this instance, he can actually work out and build off being able to return in the playoffs and give the Sixers some type of production following an appendectomy as well as hip and ankle injuries.

"I'm going into the summer--obviously, I gotta recover from everything that has been happening," Embiid said after the Game 4 loss to the New York Knicks. "That's first, and after that, just being able to actually work out, which I haven't done in a couple of years. So, that's exciting, and going to the summer, having the chance to be more prepared with everything body-wise and my game. So, that's going to be key, but I'm excited about next season."

The Sixers were able to see the emergence of rookie VJ Edgecombe alongside Tyrese Maxey in the backcourt, which shows that there is a new timeline in Philadelphia. While Embiid and Paul George are still around, the focus should be on Maxey and Edgecombe going forward. That means Embiid can take something of a step back while being a mentor to the younger players on the roster in the offseason.

"I think VJ—I’m going to talk to him," Embiid added. "He's going to be better. He was amazing for his first year. Tyrese is gonna be better and he's taking a step every single year. PG that we saw the last couple of weeks, he’s still got it, and then everybody here. I don't know who's gonna be here. I don't even know if I'm gonna be here, but you know, whatever happens, happens. For me, I'm excited about me getting back to myself."