Joel Embiid, the tough and tall star of the 76ers, has always been known for his strength on the court. But it seems like injuries have been holding him back.
Despite his massive physique, Embiid has faced knee problems throughout his career. Recent reports now suggest that he might need another surgery to fully recover.
The Sixers had a tough game on Sunday against the Bucks, dropping their record to 20-32. Even though the team struggled, Joel Embiid still put up an impressive performance, scoring 27 points, grabbing 12 rebounds, and handing out six assists—all while dealing with his ongoing knee issues.
Despite his strong showing, Embiid surprised everyone by admitting he might need another surgery. He explained that his knee has been unpredictable and may require a procedure for a full recovery.
REPORT: Joel Embiid believes he will need surgery & long recovery to get his “injured knee right.” 😳
— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) February 9, 2025
Thoughts? 🤔
Via. @saltersl pic.twitter.com/yqCHzoo32l
“I think the straightforward answer is that when you’ve got something that’s inconsistent, at some point, you’ve got to do something about… We don’t know what it is. We’re looking into every option,” Embiid said.
However, he also mentioned that he wants to wait until the season ends before making a final decision. While speaking to the media, he hinted that surgery could be a possibility in the offseason.
Joel Embiid’s injury history was critical
Joel Embiid has battled injuries throughout his career, making it tough for the Sixers to depend on him. While injuries were always a concern, things took a turn for the worse after the COVID-19 pandemic.
In early 2020, Embiid suffered a gruesome finger injury that required surgery, forcing him to miss multiple games. The following year, during the playoffs, he took a hard fall against the Wizards and was diagnosed with a partially torn meniscus. Despite missing a game, he pushed through the pain to help his team.
In 2021, he was sidelined due to COVID-19, later admitting he feared for his life due to the virus’s impact. The injuries kept piling up, from a torn thumb ligament in 2022 to an orbital fracture that kept him out of key playoff games.
However, 2024 turned out to be one of the most brutal years for Embiid. In January, a freak play led to a torn lateral meniscus, forcing knee surgery. Months later, after a 50-point playoff game, he revealed a Bell’s palsy diagnosis, dealing with facial paralysis and migraines.
Despite setbacks, he helped Team USA win Olympic gold and signed a three-year extension with the Sixers. However, concerns over his knee lingered, keeping him out of preseason games. In November, swelling sidelined him again, and in December, a sinus fracture forced him to play with a mask.
