Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid will miss the remainder of the NBA season due to ongoing knee issues, a significant blow to both the player and his team. The decision follows increased swelling in his knee after a loss to the Brooklyn Nets on Saturday night. Additional imaging on Monday confirmed that his knee had not responded adequately to treatment protocols, leading the 76ers to conclude that Embiid should not continue playing this season.
Embiid, who played only 19 games this year, sat out 39 of Philadelphia's 58 games. The 76ers have struggled without their star player, reflected in their disappointing 20-38 record. For Embiid, this season marks one of his poorest statistical performances since entering the league. He averaged 23.8 points per game, the lowest since the 2017-18 season, coupled with career lows in rebounds (8.2 per game), blocks (0.9 per game), and shooting percentages across the board.
Despite undergoing surgery in February and returning to the court in early April, Embiid's daily status remained uncertain, causing frustration among fans and the team. His efforts to play through pain and improve his conditioning were evident but ultimately futile. The 76ers sought advice from numerous doctors and specialists to guide Embiid's recovery, following his receipt of pain-killing injections for several consecutive games before the All-Star break.
Compounding his challenges, Embiid faced a three-game suspension from the NBA in November after an altercation with a columnist in the locker room. This incident added to an already tumultuous season, further impacting his on-court focus and availability. Nevertheless, Embiid still managed to secure a gold medal with the U.S. Olympic team over the summer, highlighting his resilience and talent.
Embiid's struggles this season are not isolated, as he only played 39 games last season due to a meniscus tear in his knee. Throughout this season, he hoped his knee would improve with increased conditioning and careful management. However, the continued pain and swelling became obstacles too significant to overcome.
The decline in Embiid's performance extends beyond his scoring average. His field-goal shooting dipped to 44.8%, while his efficiency from beyond the arc plummeted to 29.9%. Furthermore, his effective field-goal percentage stands at an underwhelming 48.1%, with win shares dropping to just 1.5.
The situation has undoubtedly been difficult for both Embiid and the 76ers organization. His absence has left a void in the team's lineup, contributing to their subpar record this season. Meanwhile, the decision to end his season early is a strategic move aimed at preserving his health and ensuring he can return fully fit in the future.
Leave a Reply