The Philadelphia 76ers have been dealt a significant blow with the announcement that star center Joel Embiid will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee. The procedure, scheduled to take place next week, is the latest setback in a season marred by injuries for the 76ers.
Embiid’s knee issues date back to January 2024, when he suffered an unfortunate collision with Golden State Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga. The injury required surgery, and although Embiid returned to action in April 2024, he was unable to propel the Sixers past the New York Knicks in the first round of the playoffs.
Despite representing Team USA at the Paris Olympics and helping the team secure a gold medal, Embiid’s knee problems persisted. As he began to ramp up his training ahead of the current season, the issues resurfaced, and rest periods and treatments failed to alleviate the problem.
The decision to shut Embiid down for the season is a devastating blow to the 76ers, who had high hopes of contending for the title this year. Instead, the team finds itself languishing near the bottom of the Eastern Conference, with a nine-game losing streak and a 13th-place standing.
Embiid’s injury is just one of several setbacks the Sixers have faced this season. Marquee signing Paul George has been shut down for the season due to ongoing problems with his groin and knee. Star guard Tyrese Maxey has missed the last 16 games with a hand injury, although he has not yet been ruled out for the season.
The team has also suffered a significant loss with the season-ending injury to rookie Jared McCain, who was among the leading contenders for Rookie of the Year before undergoing surgery for a torn meniscus.
As the 76ers struggle to find their footing, the loss of Embiid for the season is a crushing blow. The team will now have to rely on its depth and resilience to navigate the remainder of the season.
The arthroscopic surgery is expected to provide Embiid with the necessary relief to address the underlying issues with his knee. However, the procedure will undoubtedly raise questions about the big man’s long-term health and durability.
As the 76ers look to regroup and reassess their goals for the season, one thing is clear: the absence of Joel Embiid will be deeply felt. The team can only hope that the surgery will provide Embiid with the necessary relief to return to the court stronger and healthier than ever.
In the meantime, the 76ers will have to find a way to navigate the challenges of the NBA season without their star center. It’s a daunting task, but one that the team will have to overcome if they hope to salvage what’s left of their season
eft of their season.
