Joel Embiid, the towering figure of the Philadelphia 76ers’ ambitious rebuilding strategy dubbed “The Process,” could have solidified his place among NBA legends. Standing at 7 feet, Embiid has shown flashes of brilliance throughout his career, marked by impressive achievements such as 70-point games, an MVP award, and two scoring titles, along with five All-NBA selections. Yet, his career has often been overshadowed by a series of injuries, leading to numerous missed games and ongoing health concerns that have significantly impacted his professional narrative.
The latest setback for Embiid involves a persistent issue with his left knee, which has failed to properly heal post-surgery from the previous season. This injury has led the 76ers to make the decision, announced on Friday, to sideline Embiid for the remainder of this season, focusing instead on his treatment and rehabilitation.
This situation is all too reminiscent for fans of the towering and charismatic player. When considering the 164 games Embiid was unable to participate in during his initial seasons after being picked third overall in the 2014 draft, and with the time remaining in this season, he will have participated in 452 out of the team’s 883 games—a troubling statistic showing nearly half of the seasons spent on the sidelines.
The 76ers, in coordination with leading medical professionals, have determined that Embiid is not in the physical condition necessary to compete and will not return to play this season. They have stated they are in consultation with experts to form a comprehensive strategy that ensures Embiid’s long-term health, and updates will be provided as more information is gathered.
The potential for Embiid to play again with the 76ers remains uncertain and might not be resolved until much later in the offseason. Currently, the 76ers are struggling, entering a challenging phase with a nine-game losing streak, although technically still within reach for a spot in the play-in tournament. Notably, Embiid has missed several games following an instance last week where he was benched during a fourth-quarter loss to Brooklyn.
This season, the team’s record while Embiid has been active stands at 8-11, contrasting sharply with their 12-27 performance without him. With the ongoing challenges faced by Embiid, 76ers coach Nick Nurse has emphasized the team’s immediate goal is to win games and improve overall performance, working in tandem with medical professionals to determine the best way forward for Embiid.
Throughout the current season, Embiid has been affected by various injuries and served a short suspension. His scoring has dropped to an average of 23.8 points, a decline from his previous seasons where he averaged over 30 points. Earlier this month, Embiid himself mentioned the possibility of another surgical procedure as a potential solution to his enduring knee troubles.
Last season, a significant injury—a torn meniscus—limited him to 39 games. Although he returned in time for the playoffs and later excelled in international competition with the U.S. Olympic team, he still missed a considerable number of games following his MVP win in the 2022-23 season.
Embarking on a reflective note, Embiid acknowledged last week that his current form on the court is not what it once was, pointing to the need to address existing issues before achieving his previous heights. The Sixers’ first-round draft pick is under protective conditions unless it is traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder, further complicating choices about the remainder of the season and Embiid’s availability.
Embarking on another round of physical challenges is not new for Embiid, who has dealt with recurring issues even before entering the NBA. His early career was marred by a stress fracture in his right foot, resulting in a two-year hiatus. Since then, his medical history has featured bone bruises, various tears, fractures, and ligament injuries, alongside other health challenges like Bell’s palsy.
Reflecting on his experiences, Embiid has previously opened up about the emotional toll of recurrent injuries, revealing periods of depression and a reliance on therapy to navigate the mental burden accompanying physical setbacks.
Despite earning substantial financial security through a significant contract extension, Embiid credits his family, particularly his wife and young son, for providing support during challenging times. As he faces this familiar chapter in his career—sidelined and watching from the bench—Embiid’s journey continues to resonate with fans and the wider NBA community.
