Philadelphia 76ers make major decision on Joel Embiid for the rest of the NBA season

The Philadelphia 76ers have been one of the biggest disappointments of the NBA season, and much of that frustration stems from the extended absence of their franchise superstar, Joel Embiid. The reigning MVP has played in only a handful of games this season due to lingering issues with his left knee. Now, the team has made a pivotal decision in hopes of getting him back to full strength for next season.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Embiid is set to undergo a second knee surgery this year. “Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee next week, a team official tells ESPN. Embiid was ruled out for the season in late February as he and the 76ers met with doctors to determine the best treatment to alleviate his knee issues,” Charania reported on X (formerly Twitter).

“Embiid will be re-evaluated in six weeks after surgery and is expected to make a full recovery, sources said. It will mark Embiid’s second surgery on the left knee over the last 14 months,” he added.

The knee injury has severely limited Embiid this season, as he was only able to suit up for 19 games. Despite playing through discomfort, he still managed to post solid numbers, averaging 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game—though his 48.2% effective field goal percentage was the worst of his career.

Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers takes a three point shot during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum. (Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Nothing has gone right for the 76ers this season

The 76ers entered the season as one of the top contenders for an NBA title, especially after acquiring Paul George to pair alongside a (presumably) healthy Embiid. However, those championship aspirations quickly fell apart.

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Embiid’s extended absence was a massive blow, but George also struggled to live up to expectations. The veteran forward underperformed before suffering his own setbacks, eventually being ruled out for the season in March due to groin and knee injuries. George played 41 games, averaging a disappointing 16.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.3 assists—far from the impact Philly had envisioned when they brought him in.

McCain shares how Embiid and George helped him through his own injury

As if things couldn’t get worse for Philadelphia, rookie Jared McCain—who had shown great potential in the absence of Embiid, George, and Tyrese Maxey—also suffered a season-ending torn meniscus injury.

In an interview with ClutchPoints, McCain opened up about how Embiid and George, who were also ruled out, have been helping him stay mentally strong during his rehab.

“I was just talking to them; they make sure my mental’s straight,” McCain said. “I think that’s the main thing with them—they know it can get rocky with just being alone sometimes”.

“You’re not with the team a lot, and they’re taking care of me, just talking to me, making sure we’re all still good,” he continued. “They know I’m going to attack rehab like I am and just making sure I am on the path with that”.