MILWAUKEE — On Sunday, Joel Embiid, the center for the Philadelphia 76ers, hinted that he might need another surgery on his troublesome left knee if he doesn’t see improvement by the conclusion of the current season.
During the broadcast of the 76ers’ game against the Milwaukee Bucks, which ended in a 135-127 defeat, it was reported that Embiid expressed concerns about his knee, suggesting that another procedure and an extended recovery period could be in his future. Although he did not give a definitive statement in the post-game press conference, he did admit that offseason surgery was a possibility worth considering.
“The straightforward answer is that when something isn’t consistent, you eventually have to address it,” Embiid stated. “We’re exploring every available option since we haven’t pinpointed the issue yet.”
After sitting out 15 games due to his knee problems, Embiid made a return on Tuesday. In the three games he has played recently, he has posted impressive statistics, averaging 26.3 points, 10 rebounds, and 7.3 assists.
Last season, Embiid managed to participate in only 39 games due to a torn meniscus in his left knee, which led to surgery in early February. He returned in early April to help the 76ers in the playoffs and later contributed to the U.S. Olympic team, securing a gold medal last summer.
Reflecting on his recovery after Sunday’s game, Embiid acknowledged that the time he had post-surgery last year was insufficient.
“I probably need to take advantage of the upcoming summer months for a full recovery,” he said. “If this pattern persists, it will be essential to investigate alternative solutions.”
So far, in the current NBA season, the 30-year-old has shown strong performance, averaging 24.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.4 assists over 15 games.
Embiid emphasized the importance of a cautious approach moving forward, stating, “I’m taking it day by day. If my condition deteriorates, action is necessary. Consistency is crucial, and if it isn’t there, it’s simply not acceptable.”