PHILADELPHIA – Joel Embiid’s NBA season has come to an end, as the Philadelphia 76ers have decided to shut him down due to lingering issues from knee surgery. The announcement came on Friday, as the franchise disclosed that Embiid is “medically unable to play,” requiring him to focus on treatment and rehabilitation for his left knee.
This brings up several questions regarding the future of the team, and particularly Embiid’s role in it. Is this the end of Embiid’s career, or at least his time as a productive All-Star? The 76ers also face a complex financial situation, with substantial contracts tied to aging and underperforming players, and are at risk of losing a first-round draft pick this season.
Team president Daryl Morey is left grappling with these challenges heading into an uncertain offseason. As coach Nick Nurse acknowledged recently, the current outcome isn’t what anyone hoped for. Since being drafted third overall in 2014, Embiid has faced a series of setbacks with injuries ranging from bone bruises to torn ligaments, which have plagued much of his career.
Embiid underwent surgery on his meniscus on February 6, 2024, after an incident with Golden State’s Jonathan Kuminga. Despite returning in time for the playoffs, where Philadelphia was eliminated in the first round, Embiid never fully bounced back. He played in just 19 games this season.
Coach Nurse indicated the injury wasn’t worsening, but Embiid’s knee never returned to full strength. The inconsistent recovery meant he sometimes felt capable of playing while at other moments, the swelling and discomfort made that impossible. Should rest and rehabilitation prove insufficient, Embiid might require further surgery, potentially impacting next season as well.
As for the team’s future, the 76ers may have to resort to tanking to secure their top-six protected first-round pick. A recent victory against Golden State ended a nine-game losing streak, diminishing those prospects slightly. At 21-38, the 76ers are positioned just above several teams with poorer records, jeopardizing their draft position.
Financially, the 76ers are in a bind, with Embiid having signed a four-year extension worth $248.1 million. Unless Embiid’s injury is deemed career-ending, the team won’t see salary cap relief. Additionally, contracts for Paul George and Tyrese Maxey, totaling $400 million, commit the team to $146 million in payroll next season, further limiting their flexibility.
Questions remain about Embiid’s decision to play for Team USA in the Olympics, which may have impacted his recovery. Although publicly supported by the 76ers, Embiid admitted not allowing sufficient recovery time after surgery. Despite the USA clinching gold, Embiid’s contribution was limited.
Embiid, soon to be 31, faces an uncertain future. His impressive career statistics and accolades, including an MVP title and multiple scoring titles, make him a strong Hall of Fame candidate. However, with five second-round playoff exits and a history riddled with injuries, the prospect of winning a championship feels increasingly elusive. Still, history shows that players like Yao Ming, Ralph Sampson, and Bill Walton made it to the Hall of Fame despite similar challenges. Embiid’s enduring legacy remains to be seen.
