When it was announced that Joel Embiid would be sidelined for the rest of the regular season, it hardly came off as a surprise.

The oft-injured Embiid has been dealing with knee issues since last season where he suited up for only 39 regular season games for the Philadelphia 76ers. He managed to return in time for the postseason and put up stellar numbers in the Sixers’ first round loss against the New York Knicks then even played for Team USA at last summer’s Paris Olympics.

However, his knee issues seem to have never left and continue to hound him this season. In hindsight, it seems like Embiid’s controversial decision to suit up for Team USA will cost him in the long run. This year, he has appeared in only 19 of Philadelphia’s 58 games so far and the team has struggled mightily with his limited availability.

Heading into this campaign, many believed that the Sixers, especially with the addition of nine-time NBA All-Star Paul George, could challenge the reigning NBA champion Boston Celtics for Eastern Conference supremacy, but they have instead found themselves competing for a spot in the play-in tournament rather than the top seed. The Sixers sport a 20-38 record which has them closer to the bottom (10 games, to be exact) of the East rather than the top (28.5 games behind the first place Cleveland Cavaliers).

With all things considered, it makes sense that Embiid and the team decided to shut down his season. The hope is that the 7’0 center, who will be 31 years old when the next season tips off this October, will be back at full strength, yet given his injury history, the odds are stacked against him. 

It’s a shame that Embiid has missed so much time over his career as he was one of the most dominant two-way players of all time when on the court. He averaged 27.7 points, 11 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.6 blocks over 452 career games, highlighted by his 2023 NBA MVP campaign where he put up 33.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, 4.2 assists, one steal, and 1.7 blocks in 66 contests. 

Philadelphia now finds itself in a sticky situation as Embiid’s contract runs up until the 2028 season with a player option–which he is expected to opt into–for the ‘28-’29 season worth $67 million.

If Embiid can come back and become at least 80% of the player that became an NBA MVP, two-time scoring champion, and seven-time NBA All-Star, the Sixers should still be a viable second tier team in the East with him and 24-year-old guard Tyrese Maxey leading the charge.

It is more likely than not though that this is the beginning of the end for Embiid. Philadelphia’s front office will have to make some difficult decisions in the coming months and years.

Advertisement