Sixers Shut Down Joel Embiid For Season, Exploring ‘Best Path Forward’

The 76ers have ruled out star center Joel Embiid for the remainder of the 2024/25 season due to ongoing issues with his left knee, the team announced in a press release.

“The Philadelphia 76ers and Joel Embiid have been consulting with top specialists regarding ongoing issues with his left knee,” the team’s statement reads.

“After further evaluation, it has been determined that he is medically unable to play and will miss the remainder of the season to focus on treatment and rehabilitation.

“We are working with medical experts to determine the exact treatment plan and will update media when we have more information. The team and specialists will continue working with Joel to ensure the best path forward for his long-term health and performance.”

Embiid’s left knee has been a persistent issue since January 2024, when he sustained a lateral meniscus injury that required surgery. He was able to return last April, playing all six games of the Sixers’ first-round playoff series against the New York Knicks. Embiid also suited up for Team USA at the Paris Olympics over the summer.

However, the knee continued to cause swelling in the fall, which delayed his season debut until November 12. Since then, he has appeared in just 19 total games, averaging 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists in 30.2 minutes per game.

Despite those numbers being strong by most standards, they fall short of the former MVP’s career averages, including a 44.4% field goal percentage and a 29.9% mark on three-pointers.

According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, Embiid has met with more than 10 doctors throughout the season to determine the best course of action for alleviating the discomfort and swelling in his left knee. Embiid also told Lisa Salters of ABC/ESPN earlier this month that he may require offseason surgery.

However, that comment surprised Sixers staff, as sources tell Fischer that another procedure on the knee is not yet certain. While the 30-year-old center is hopeful for a “cure-all procedure” that would allow him to return to full health, there is no clear consensus among Sixers doctors and medical experts from outside the organization about the best path forward.

With the 76ers sitting at 20-38 and 2.5 games back of the No. 10 seed in the Eastern Conference standings, it is logical for the team to adopt a long-term approach and shut down Embiid. The center is on a maximum-salary contract that includes three more guaranteed seasons beyond this one, as well as a player option for the 2028/29 season.

The team now faces the question of whether they will continue pushing for a play-in spot or consider holding out other key players, including Paul George and Tyrese Maxey, both of whom have been playing through injuries.

George has taken injections to manage multiple ailments, including tendon damage in his finger, while Maxey is also reportedly dealing with a finger injury that is affecting his ball-handling and shooting.

Additionally, the 76ers owe their 2025 first-round pick to the Oklahoma City Thunder if it lands outside the top six. Currently, the 76ers have the NBA’s sixth-worst record, which will factor into their decision-making as they consider their approach for the rest of the season.

If they finish with the sixth-worst record, they will have a 45.8% chance of retaining their first-round pick. Those odds would rise to about 64% with the fifth-worst record and 81.1% if they fall to the fourth-worst record.