Joel Embiid had said his embarrassing left knee earlier this season this season might require another surgery and a “long recovery” process. He was not wrong.
Embiid is expected to “undergo arthroscopic surgery next week to approach its left knee,” the 76ers announced on Wednesday.
It is the same knee that Embiid underwent meniscus surgery in early 2024. After that, he pushed to return for the playoffs last season. While he had an average of 33 points and 10.8 rebounds per game, Embiid was not his dominant self, pulled 44.4%, and he and the 76ers were rebounded in the first round by the Knicks.
Embiid won gold by playing for American basketball at the Paris Olympic Games, but his knee was never just this season and he only played 19 games for the Sixers. Embiid having a setback each time he tried to progress and play more, the The 76ers closed it for the season on February 28. Even with this surgery, it is likely that it is a chronic condition that will limit the amount of Embiid can play during the regular season in the future.
Just before this season, Embiid has signed a contract extension of $ 192.9 million over three years with Philadelphia, which started next season and is fully guaranteed.
After a massively disappointing season in Philadelphia which will see them miss even the game, there will be calls for change. However, Max contracts for Embiid and Paul George are two of the most translated in the league, and the 76ers will not exchange Tyrese Maxey. Although Philadelphia has difficult questions to answer who to bring back next season – the Sixers want to re -signate Kelly Oubre, Quentin Grimes and Guerschon Yabusele but probably cannot afford the three and stay under the second apron of the luxury tax – they will largely make it go back next season and hope for a better year of health and a year of rebound.
One where Embiid plays many more than 19 games.
