Sixers, Joel Embiid Face Uncertain Path As Knee Woes Linger On

The Philadelphia 76ers are walking an NBA tightrope with the left knee of Joel Embiid. While weekend reports suggested another surgery could be on the table, ESPN’s Brian Windhorst poured cold water on the idea that a procedure is a foregone conclusion.

“I know that people would like this to be a cut-and-dry issue — you either need knee surgery or you don’t,” Windhorst said on Get Up. “That’s not necessarily clear here. He has seen a number of specialists. There isn’t a clear path on how to resolve this issue.” 

Despite the uncertainty, the Sixers continue to roll out Embiid, knowing full well that his presence keeps them in the playoff hunt. And with a five-year, $300 million investment locked in through at least 2027-28, Philadelphia is in no position to take chances. Simply put, the 76ers can’t afford to get this wrong. 

“He’s not tradable right now,” Windhorst noted. “That contract makes his value… it’s not realistic.” 

Daryl Morey, the Sixers’ team president, has doubled down on Embiid as the franchise cornerstone, even after the blockbuster Paul George signing. Morey remains firm in his belief that Embiid is a top-five player and will be the centerpiece moving forward. That means getting his knee right is priority No. 1. 

Make no mistake, the Sixers are exploring every possible avenue to avoid another extended absence for Embiid. Surgery or not, they need their MVP back at full strength — and fast. 

Clearly, not just this season is in the balance. The future is, too.

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