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In a decision that had been anticipated in recent weeks, Joel Embiid has been shut down for the remainder of the 2024-25 NBA season by the Philadelphia 76ers. The team officially announced on Friday that Embiid will be sidelined as he focuses on rehabilitating a knee injury that has significantly impacted his performance.
Joel Embiid: focus on long-term health
The Philadelphia 76ers confirmed that Embiid’s knee injury, specifically to his left knee, has worsened, prompting the decision for him to miss the rest of the season. The team stated that Embiid has been working with specialists to evaluate the injury further, and the treatment plan and recovery timeline are yet to be determined.
We are prioritizing Joel’s long-term health and performance moving forward, the 76ers said in their statement.
This decision follows months of concern over Embiid's condition, which only grew as the season progressed. On February 20, the seven-time All-Star admitted to reporters that his injury had hindered his ability to play at his usual level.
The way I was playing a year ago is not the way I’m playing right now. It sucks, Embiid explained. I probably need to fix the problem, and then I'll be back at that level. But it's hard to have trust when you're not yourself.
Joel Embiid: struggling through pain
Embiid’s knee issues became more pronounced following a February 22 loss to the Brooklyn Nets, where the star center was benched for the entire fourth quarter. Afterward, it was reported that Embiid and the 76ers had decided to consult additional doctors to explore other treatment options, as the current strategies, including injections, had proven ineffective.
Philadelphia’s head coach, Nick Nurse, acknowledged the struggles Embiid was facing but commended him for his efforts.
He’s giving us what he can. Obviously, he’s not himself, Nurse stated. We all know that he’s not certainly the guy we’re used to seeing playing at a super-high level. I commend him for giving us what he can.
Embiid’s impact on the 76ers’ disappointing season
Embiid’s ongoing injury issues have contributed to the 76ers' challenging 2024-25 season. With a 20-38 record, the team is on track to miss the playoffs, despite high expectations following the addition of Paul George in free agency. Initially viewed as a potential Eastern Conference contender, the team’s fortunes have been drastically impacted by Embiid’s limited availability.
This season, Embiid has been limited to just 19 games due to injury, injury management, and suspension. During these appearances, he averaged 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks, well below his 2023-24 averages of 34.7 points, 11 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game. Embiid also acknowledged that his recovery from a torn meniscus last season may not have been thorough enough, especially with his participation in the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics.
At 30 years old, Embiid is two seasons removed from winning the NBA MVP award, when he averaged 33.1 points and 10.2 rebounds per game. However, the 2024-25 season has proven to be a setback for both Embiid and the 76ers, as they now shift their focus to his rehabilitation and long-term health.
