Joel Embiid’s journey in the NBA has been a rollercoaster, and unfortunately, injuries have played a central role in shaping his career. The 2023 NBA MVP is set to undergo another surgery next week aimed at addressing his ailing left knee, which severely limited his time on the court during the challenging 2024-25 season, where he only managed to play in 19 games. The Philadelphia 76ers confirmed Wednesday evening that, following consultations with medical professionals, Embiid will have arthroscopic surgery, with plans for a re-evaluation in six weeks post-operation.
This marks the second time in just over a year that Embiid has faced surgery on the same knee. He previously underwent a procedure to repair a torn meniscus in 2024, after which he only participated in 34 games that season.
The hope within the organization is that this upcoming surgery will alleviate the persistent pain and swelling that has hampered Embiid throughout the 2024-25 campaign. It’s been a season to forget for the Sixers, who have struggled mightily, currently sitting at 23-53 with less than two weeks remaining. They’ve found themselves caught in the frustrating cycle of constant lineup changes, leading to an NBA record of 52 unique starting lineups this season—an unfortunate testament to their struggles, centered largely around the absence of their star player.
As we look ahead, one of the biggest questions hovering over Embiid’s future is whether he can overcome these physical setbacks and return to the prime form that highlights his exceptional talent. The 2022-23 season was a pinnacle for Embiid, showcasing why he was a league MVP. Even early in the 2023-24 season, he seemed to be building upon that success before injuries intervened. However, when he did manage to take the court this past season, his performance did not reflect his usual dominance. He averaged 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game with an effective field goal percentage at a career-low of 48.2.
Fans in Philadelphia are hopeful that this surgery can help him regain the explosive athleticism and agility that have defined his play since entering the league. Yet, there’s a palpable skepticism among Sixers supporters as to whether we’ll witness the return of the Embiid who dominated games and instilled fear in opposing defenses. The stakes have never been higher for Embiid and the franchise as they navigate this critical juncture in his career.
