Embiid's Career in Jeopardy As Doctors Explore "Radical" Surgeries
Joel Embiid is facing its biggest challenge yet.
For the first time ever, "The Process" was benched, not due to injury, but performance. His recent play has been dismal, averaging just 23.8 points on 44.4% shooting, a far cry from his usual dominance.
As coach Nick Nurse put it, the team was simply better without him against the depleted Nets.
An ongoing battle
Embiid's knee, the source of constant concern, is clearly hurting him and the team. While the initial plan was to manage the pain, like Dwyane Wade's career-long approach, things have only worsened.
"I probably need to fix the problem and then I’ll be back at that level," Embiid admitted recently, hinting at potential surgery.
NBA sources suggest Embiid's situation is dire, with "radical" options like meniscus replacement, low-dose radiation, or even an osteotomy on the table. These procedures could sideline him for the rest of this season and potentially longer, with lasting limitations.
🚨 Joel Embiid facing major surgery options 😳🏀
— BetUS NBA (@BetUS_NBA) February 25, 2025
The Sixers star could undergo a meniscus replacement or a procedure involving breaking a hip bone to realign the joint and relieve pressure. 😨 pic.twitter.com/Y59i47b12I
Tough decisions ahead
Now, the Sixers face tough decisions. Should they shut down Embiid, their $250 million investment? What about Paul George, also battling chronic injuries and a decline in performance?
Tanking for a better draft pick is tempting, but their pick is top-6 protected, and owes to the Thunder.
The Sixers' initial hope was for Embiid's body to adapt after his meniscus surgery. Dr. Fotios Tjoumakaris a sports medicine surgeon at Rothman Orthopaedics explained, “Our bodies are tremendous at their ability to adapt. So, you might build strength. You might recover to where the knee gets more comfortable with a little bit of fluid in it and the muscle doesn’t react so much, and the muscle can maintain strength.”
Nick Nurse addresses thoughts of Sixers shutting down Joel Embiid https://t.co/1I7u4xOAVl pic.twitter.com/wnPDBh1T9m
— Sixers Wire (@SixersWire) February 25, 2025
The next steps hinge on the results of recent medical tests. If Embiid needs surgery, tanking might be the only option. If not, he must learn to play more conservatively, accepting that his high-flying style is no longer sustainable.
The future of the Process, and the Sixers, hangs in a delicate balance.
Image - Bill Streicher-Imagn
