Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid admitted he may need another surgery on his left knee if ongoing issues persist through the season.The 2022-23 MVP, who has played 15 games this season, acknowledged that his knee’s inconsistency is a concern but remains hopeful. As the 76ers battle for playoff positioning, Embiid’s health remains a crucial factor in their championship aspirations.
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid has admitted that he may need to undergo another surgery on his left knee if the lingering issues continue through the rest of the season.
During the ABC telecast of the 76ers’ 135-127 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday, ESPN’s Lisa Salters reported that Embiid believes his knee will likely require “another surgery and a long recovery period,” something he didn’t have after the initial operation in February 2023.
While speaking to reporters postgame, the 2022-23 NBA MVP wasn’t definitive but acknowledged the possibility of offseason surgery.
“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 it,” Embiid said. “We don’t know what it is. We’re looking into every option.”
His knee problems limited him to just 39 games last season. The 76ers announced in February 2023 that he had undergone surgery, but Embiid returned in April to help Philadelphia in the playoffs and later joined Team USA in winning gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Embiid admitted that the quick turnaround after surgery last year didn’t allow him enough time to fully recover.
“At some point I probably need to just, especially when the summer comes around, these few months to just recover fully,” Embiid said. “Like I said, don’t know what it is, but if that keeps being the same pattern, then obviously you’ve got to try something else.”
Now at 30 years old, Embiid is still producing at an elite level, averaging 24.6 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 4.4 assists in 15 games this season. However, the uncertainty surrounding his knee remains a major concern for the 76ers.
“Every day, take it day by day,” Embiid said. “If it gets worse, then you’ve got to do something about it. If it’s not consistent enough, then that’s not good enough.”
With Philadelphia in the midst of an intense Eastern Conference playoff race, Embiid’s health will be a key storyline to watch as the season progresses. Whether he can push through the discomfort or will be forced into another extended absence remains to be seen.
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