PHILADELPHIA >> Joel Embiid stuck around for extra work after shootaround. The 7-footer who has yet to officially step on the court for the Philadelphia 76ers this season was in no rush to finish his drills.

Embiid shot free throws, worked on his post game and made soft jumpers during a Tuesday morning workout in preparation of his season debut, expected hours later against the New York Knicks. Embiid is done with his suspension. He’s off the injury report. He’s finally ready to play for a Sixers team that desperately needs the 2023 NBA MVP — they are 2-7 and near the bottom of the Eastern Conference.

“It’s the right step in the right direction we’re trying to get to,” Sixers forward Caleb Martin said after shootaround. “Obviously, excited to have someone like him back to our team.”

Embiid should be paired for the first time with nine-time All-Star Paul George, who missed the first five games with a bone bruise. Embiid, George and fellow All-Star Tyrese Maxey were the 76ers’ version of a Big Three that was expected to make them one of the big favorites out of the Eastern Conference.

The trio instead have yet to play a game together.

The 76ers are coming off an overtime win against Charlotte but face an uphill climb into playoff contention. There have been 20 teams in NBA history to make the playoffs after starting 1-6 or 0-7, though it’s been extremely rare in recent years. In the last 27 years, only three teams — the 2003-04 Miami Heat (0-7), the 2004-05 Chicago Bulls (0-7) and the 2021-22 New Orleans Pelicans (1-6) had such a start and went on to make the playoffs.

Embiid’s return can only force the push toward a winning record.

A seven-time All-Star, Embiid returns from what the team called left knee management and the end of a three-game suspension for shoving a member of the media.