Joel Embiid got benched on Saturday. That’s not something new, is it? But well, this time Embiid’s benching wasn’t due to his injury concerns, but for a simple reason— the Sixers were better off without him. ‘The Process’ watched the entire fourth quarter from the sidelines as his teammates battled it out against the Nets. Ultimately, Philadelphia fell short 103-105 to Brooklyn as Embiid finished the night with 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 assists. The very next day, the big man wasn’t part of the team practice either, and soon the Sixers revealed why.

According to reports, Embiid is set to undergo tests this week on his knee. Since then, the 76ers are exploring options to get the 30-year-old’s knee back to normal. However, it’s not that easy. Another option seemingly suggested by the doctors is undergoing surgery, which will keep him out for the rest of the season as well as the entire next season. It is something both the team and Embiid are considering.

Naturally, this news has sparked a serious debate in the basketball world, with ESPN journalist Alan Hahn giving an unusual take on the matter. “Play him because that’s what you should do because he wanted to play in the summer in the Olympics when he had one leg in the playoffs. So now you’re going to let him escape, take the parachute, and out of a season like this? Oh no.” Hahn said. Instead of shutting down Embiid, Hahn thinks making the big man play is the way to make Embiid payback.

This, as per, Hahn could be the way somehow making up for the massive wages Embiid is currently on in Philly. The seven-time All-Star recently signed a huge $193 million contract that is supposed to run through the 2028-29 season. Well, that’s not all! Alongside Embiid, his teammate Paul George is also making a huge bag at Philly. Together, the duo will set Philly back a humongous $355.3 million through the 2027-28 season. That’s not a good figure given the injury-prone nature of the two superstars. So, should Philly shut down Embiid?

“He’s gotta go out and play.”: says former Sixer Lou Williams about Joel Embiid’s latest injury update

Joel Embiid’s name has become synonymous with injuries this season. The former Finals MVP has just suited up for a total of 19 of the team’s 56 games this season. He’s missed most of the games because of his knee injury management and a few due to a foot injury. Well, now, with surgery looming over the 30-year-old’s head, former NBA star Lou Williams thinks Embiid should play even if he’s not at his very best.

While on the show, ‘Run It Back‘ the former Philadelphia 76ers player let his thoughts out on the situation. “I think at this point with what Joel Embiid is battling, he’ll never be 100% healthy again. So if you’re the 76ers and he can physically, and he’s clear to go out there and play, whether it’s at the level that he’s used to playing or the level of production you’re used to getting out of him or not, you got to go out there and play.” Williams said.

He stated that in the kind of position in which the Philly big man is at the moment, unless he’s in dire need of surgery, he should get used to the new normal. At some point, Embiid will have to get sued to play more conservatively until his knee can handle more stress. Lastly, whether Embiid undergoes surgery now or over the summer one thing is clear. That is, it’s quite apparent that his days of leaping for rebounds or charging for an empathic dunk are behind him.