Joel Embiid, 76ers consulting doctors and considering ‘alternative options’ for knee injury

Joel Embiid, 76ers consulting doctors and considering ‘alternative options’ for knee injury

Last February, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid tore his meniscus in his left knee and underwent surgery, appearing in just 39 games before coming back ahead of the postseason. He was granted the opportunity to play for Team USA during the Olympics last summer, but missed the start of the regular season due to his knee injury, which has limited him to just 19 games this season (as well as a foot sprain).

According to ESPN NBA insider Shams Charania, the team is exploring alternative options because regular treatments, such as injections, have not improved the knee.

The 76ers and Joel Embiid are consulting doctors and considering alternative options on his injured knee, sources tell ESPN. Sides have hoped for progress in Embiid’s body, but his efforts to play and current treatments, including injections, have not provided any improvement. pic.twitter.com/GXeqxC7Nwj

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 23, 2025

Embiid, who turns 31-years-old in March, has not looked close to his usual self when he’s been on the court this season. He’s averaging 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists, shooting just 44.4 percent from the floor, 29.9 percent from 3-point range and 88.2 percent from the free-throw line.

His scoring is down over four points from his career average entering the season with his effective field goal percentage and true-shooting percentage down 5.5 and 3.5 percentage points, respectively. His rebounding percentage is also down 3.7 points while his defensive rebounding percentage is down 5.2 points.

He has not looked the same physically. According to Charania, Embiid has “publicly and privately said in recent weeks” that he may need to undergo another surgery.

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At this point, it would make a ton of sense just to shut Embiid down for the season. Save him from himself. The 76ers are currently the No. 12 seed in the Eastern Conference at 20-36. While they are still 1.5 games back from the Chicago Bulls for the fourth-and-final play-in spot, there’s no reason to risk Embiid’s health when they could do their best to secure their own top-6 protected pick heading into 2025-26.

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