A little over a month ago, the Philadelphia 76ers shut down Joel Embiid for the remainder of the season due to issues with his left knee that limited him to playing in just 19 games. Between then and now, there has been no update regarding Embiid’s treatment plan – leaving many fans wondering if he’ll participate in another procedure or extensively rest. This afternoon, the silence was abruptly broken.
Joel Embiid's upcoming procedure
Shams Charania of ESPN reported that Embiid will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee next week. He’ll be re-evaluated in six weeks, which is approximately in the middle of May and is expected to make a full recovery. The goal of the procedure is to reduce the symptoms that Embiid has experienced and it will allow him to perform on a higher level.
According to OrthoInfo from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, knee arthroscopy is “a surgical procedure that allows doctors to view the knee joint without making a large incision (cut) through the skin and other soft tissues. Arthroscopy is used to diagnose and treat a wide range of knee problems.”
While many 76ers fans are weary of this procedure, it’s important to remember that Embiid was likely consulting with the best specialists that the NBA has to offer. Embiid and those involved being patient and thorough before concluding was essential considering his injury history. The most important aspect of Embiid’s upcoming procedure is his obtaining a clean bill of health and allowing him proper time to recover.
Joel Embiid needs to prioritize himself
Next season, Embiid enters the final season of his four-year/$213.3 million contract, which will reward him $55.2 million. Heading into the 2026-27 season, the 2023 Most Valuable Player will move into his three-year/$192.9 million maximum contract extension. Needless to say, the 76ers have to allow Embiid to take all the time he needs to return to his dominant self considering their investment.
While Embiid will be re-evaluated before the end of this season, he needs to prioritize his health, even if it means something as costly as missing the first few games of next season. Embiid and the 76ers alike endured the consequences of him prematurely returning in time for the playoffs last season, which snowballed into the situation they’re in today.
The number one priority on everyone’s mind should be Embiid returning to form to be able to endure the physical strain of the regular season as well as the possibility of the postseason. Philadelphia also needs to see what its star trio of Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Paul George is capable of as they only played 15 games together this season.