The Philadelphia 76ers had unfortunate news to share with the rest of the NBA this Friday. All-Star center Joel Embiid is officially out for the rest of the 2024-25 season.
Embiid has appeared in just 39 games this season due to a lingering knee injury. Although he had surgery last year, it’s pretty evident he never fully healed. With this season slipping away for the 76ers, they’ve decided to shut the former MVP down and let him get ready for the fall.
“The Philadelphia 76ers and Joel Embiid have been consulting with top specialists regarding ongoing issues with his left knee,” the team said. “After further evaluation, it has been determined that he is medically unable to play and will miss the remainder of the season to focus on treatment and rehabilitation.
“We are working with medical experts to determine the exact treatment plan and will update media when we have more information. The team and specialists will continue working with Joel to ensure the best path forward for his long-term health and performance.”
When healthy, Embiid is still a difference-maker. He’s only one season removed from averaging 34.7 points and 11.0 rebounds per game. Can he stay healthy though? That’s the million dollar question.
At this point in Embiid’s career, NBA fans are convinced that he’ll never return to his MVP level. If that’s true, that would be a shame considering injuries are his only flaw.
“Although the outlook on Embiid’s health seems bleak and doesn’t seem like there is any easy solution, I really hope and pray there is something that can be done so he can continue play basketball. He will always be one if my favorite basketball player and wish him the best,” one fan tweeted.
“This dude Embiid is about to miss 50% possible regular season games in his NBA Career. He will be a “what if” in terms of all time greatness if he stayed healthy,” another fan said.
“Honestly sucks his career has come to this. 2 years ago he was making a serious case for best player in the league and now it’s looking like we may never see that Embiid again,” a third fan wrote.
At 30 years old, Embiid is running out of time to go on a championship run in Philly.
Hopefully for Embiid’s sake, he’ll recover from his knee injury and remain healthy for the entire 2025-26 season.
Related: ‘He Ruined It’ – Stephen A. Smith Blames LeBron James For NBA Product