On Friday, the Philadelphia 76ers announced Joel Embiid would not see the court for the remainder of the season while he recovers from a knee injury. It’s not clear if the seven-time All-Star center will have another surgery.
Embiid, the No. 3 pick in 2014, has been dealing with the issue since Jan. 30, 2024. He’s played off and on this season due to complications with his knee, and the 76ers chose to rest him in a season that feels that lost. Philadelphia enters March 12th place in the Eastern Conference with a 20-38 record.
Embiid played and started in 19 games this season, averaging 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists.
Embiid has already had two surgeries on his left meniscus since 2017, and there are questions surrounding his NBA future.
NBA Rumors: A scenario where Joel Embiid retires
NBA insider Keith Smith gave a potential scenario for the 76ers and Embiid if the star center could not play next season. Philadelphia could petition the league for a medical retirement if Embiid does not return to action before Feb. 22, 2026.
“If Joel Embiid is unable to play, starting on February 22, 2026 (one year after his last game), the Sixers could petition for a medical retirement,” Smith posted on X. “At that point, an independent doctor selected by the NBA and NBPA would examine Embiid. If agreed he can no longer play, his remaining contract would be wiped off the books for the Sixers.”
If Joel Embiid is unable to play, starting on February 22, 2026 (one year after his last game), the Sixers could petition for a medical retirement.
At that point, an independent doctor selected by the NBA and NBPA would examine Embiid. If agreed he can no longer play, his… https://t.co/PGmZlmLkWt
— Keith Smith (@KeithSmithNBA) March 1, 2025
In further replies and posts, Smith argued that he believes Embiid will return to play before the Feb. 22 deadline and doesn’t expect the 76ers to petition for a medical retirement.
What will likely happen with the Philadelphia 76ers and Embiid
Ramona Shelburne of ESPN provided likely options for Embiid’s recovery and return to the NBA. With Embiid already having had two surgeries on his left meniscus, doctors might have to try a different strategy.
“Embiid experienced pain and swelling in his knee throughout this season,” Shelburne wrote. “It was unpredictable, sources said, sometimes coming after a good workout or game. That indicates there might be something else amiss with the meniscus or his alignment.
“His options could be surgical — another meniscus repair or a meniscus transplant, or even what’s called an osteotomy, in which doctors break a bone to realign his body, according to medical experts consulted by ESPN who have not examined Embiid directly.
“Those are more radical options that could warrant a lengthy recovery time that could stretch into next season. Embiid has already received various injections into the knee to promote healing and recovery, but medical experts say there are other, less invasive procedures he could still try.”
Embiid might not be the same player he was when he returns to the court, but there’s no reason for him to give up his career at this point. The Chicago Bulls and Lonzo Ball had a similar situation.
Embiid’s medical retirement is unlikely, but it could become an option for the 76ers if the injury persists.
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