Questions Arise for 76ers After Embiid’s Season Outcome

PHILADELPHIA — The curtains have closed on Joel Embiid’s season, as the star player for the 76ers has been put on the sidelines due to prolonged complications following knee surgery.

The mystery surrounding whether Embiid would lace up his sneakers for a game has finally been settled. On Friday, the 76ers announced that Embiid is “medically unable to play,” turning his focus to treating and rehabilitating his left knee.

Yet, a shroud of uncertainty hangs over Philadelphia’s future. Questions abound as to whether Embiid’s days as a productive All-Star are over. Simultaneously, the 76ers could be staring down the barrel of subpar seasons ahead, burdened by hefty contracts with aging players and facing the potential loss of a first-round draft pick this year.

Ahead of the offseason, President Daryl Morey faces the unenviable task of navigating these complexities. Embiid’s uncertain future poses a significant challenge to the 76ers’ aspirations for long-term success. “Not what we had hoped,” coach Nick Nurse admitted over the weekend.

Embiid’s career has been punctuated by recurrent injuries since the 76ers picked him third overall in the 2014 draft. His list of injuries reads like a medical report: bone bruises, a meniscus tear, a fractured orbital bone, sprained shoulder, tendinitis, torn ligaments, and even Bell’s palsy. His journey in the NBA began with him missing the first two full seasons.

The most recent injury occurred when his left leg was caught in an unfortunate incident with Jonathan Kuminga of Golden State. After undergoing meniscus surgery in early February of this year, Embiid made it back just in time for the playoffs, where the team was ousted in the first round. He never fully recuperated and only participated in 19 games this season.

Despite the surgery, Embiid’s knee failed to reach full recovery, explained coach Nurse. “There were times it felt good, and other times not so much,” he said. “It’s been an up-and-down experience. Some days it feels improved enough for him to play, then it swells, making movement difficult and play challenging.”

There’s a possibility of Embiid undergoing further surgery if chosen rehabilitation strategies fall short, which could potentially sideline him significantly next season.

Looking ahead, the path is familiar yet challenging for the 76ers: tanking for better prospects. Their first-round pick is protected if it falls within the top six; otherwise, it would head to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The team’s strategy took a blow after they ended a nine-game losing streak by defeating Golden State.

Presently sitting with a 21-38 record, Philadelphia faces Portland on Monday. Standing ahead of them are six teams with even worse records, and a falter leading toward the end could see them overtaking trails like Toronto and Brooklyn.

Beyond performance, the 76ers have substantial financial commitments. Prior to the season, Embiid was inked to a three-year extension, securing him for four more years at $248.1 million. While salary cap relief is an option if his injury ends his career, such considerations seem distant.

Philadelphia’s payroll further comprises $400 million contracts extended to Paul George and Tyrese Maxey over the summer. Combined with Embiid’s deal, it brings next season’s payroll to $146 million, leaving little financial leeway.

Paul George, turning 35 in May, has also battled injuries and inconsistent form since joining the 76ers.

The decision to join Team USA in the Olympics is partly accountable for Embiid’s rushed recovery. While he aimed for gold—and succeeded—the decision raised concerns over prioritization.

Coach Steve Kerr of Team USA remained diplomatic when asked about Embiid’s participation amidst recovery during the Olympics. “It’s really up to the player,” Kerr noted during a media appearance.

As he approaches his 31st birthday, speculation about Embiid regaining his MVP status seems unrealistic given his physical condition. Still, his career scoring average is only bested by legends such as Michael Jordan and Wilt Chamberlain. Featuring on five All-NBA selections and having secured an MVP, his accolades could pave a path to the Hall of Fame.

However, a championship seems elusive with Embiid having never taken the 76ers beyond the second playoff round in his career. His tenure in Philadelphia has included multiple early playoff exits and limited games played per season.

Despite these issues, an entry to the Hall of Fame isn’t completely out of reach yet. Just as Yao Ming, Ralph Sampson, and Bill Walton secured spots despite shorter careers, Embiid’s impact may similarly leave an indelible mark.