Joel Embiid’s future in the NBA is uncertain following his injury struggles during the 2024-25 season, where he played only 19 games due to ongoing issues with his surgically-repaired left knee. Despite surgeries and pain management strategies, Embiid continues to experience significant discomfort, leading him to consider alternative treatments, possibly including more surgeries. Experts suggest he may need less invasive options like platelet-rich plasma injections or possibly a meniscal transplant. The emotional toll of his injuries has been significant, but he remains hopeful of returning to play for several more years, pending no further setbacks.
After appearing in just 19 games during the 2024-25 season, Joel Embiid was forced to miss the rest of the year as of late February. Despite the team’s use of pain management techniques and injections, Embiid’s surgically-repaired left knee continued to present issues. He is now looking into alternative treatment options, which may include surgery, as he plans for a return.
How does Joel Embiid’s year unfold in relation to his knee injury?
Embiid underwent surgery on February 2, 2024, to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee, a procedure that many NBA players recover from effectively. However, over a year later, his knee remains a source of pain, which could signify underlying issues. Experts suggest that if there is damage to his articular cartilage, treatments could involve less invasive methods such as orthobiologic injections (like platelet-rich plasma or PRP) or more invasive options like osteochondral implants, where healthy cartilage is transplanted to the damaged area.
Another potential complication for Embiid is that his repaired meniscus may not be functioning as it should, possibly requiring a meniscal transplant. A notable case is Lonzo Ball, who returned successfully to the court after such a procedure. However, for Embiid, the recovery could be more complicated due to his larger frame.
Major surgeries also impose a mental and emotional burden on athletes. Embiid spoke candidly about the emotional challenges in an interview prior to the season, stating, “You’re on your way to accomplish a lot of good things, and then just like that someone falls on your knee. I can’t explain why it was so hard, but it was… Mentally upsetting, and physically my body wasn’t responding as it should.”
Nevertheless, provided there are no more setbacks, Embiid might be able to play for several additional years. ESPN’s Shams Charania reported on Sunday that the Sixers and Embiid are “consulting with doctors and considering alternative paths regarding his injured knee.”
In the recent losses for the Sixers, Embiid managed to score 29 points but shot 7-for-22. During Saturday’s game against Brooklyn, he did not participate in the fourth quarter, with Guerschon Yabusele taking over the center position during the team’s comeback attempt.