This season has been difficult for Joel Embiid, as injuries have significantly limited his playing time. Through the first 44 games, Joel has played in only 13 of them due to a left knee issue. His first missed game this 2024-25 season was a 109-99 loss to the Phoenix Suns. Since then he has been down through most games with what the team calls left knee injury management. He has missed a considerable portion of the season, including his absence from 31 games.

Before this knee problem, he had also missed six games due to a sprained left foot. His absences this season have negatively impacted the team’s performance and standings. This season he averaged 24.4 points and 7.9 rebounds per game which is quite less as compared to his career averages.  And it seems like the team has taken some initiative and provided an update on his status.

76ers update on Joel Embiid’s injury

Josh Harris, the majority owner of the Philadelphia 76ers has stated, “We’re still really happy with Joel”. He added, “He’s fought through a lot of injuries”, and mentioned, “in his first (two) years, he didn’t play at all. And then, in his third year, he played 30-something games”. Then he went on to say, “he fought through all of that, and became the MVP. So, he’s fighting right now, and we’re fighting.”

It seems like Joel’s injury has been a major talking point for the team throughout his career. Harris’s words reflect he believes that Embiid will recover, as he had previously overcome serious setbacks. After undergoing meniscus surgery in 2024, Embiid’s recovery was expected to take six weeks, but he missed 10 weeks instead, continuing to experience pain and swelling. But it’s not the first time that he’s been facing this issue.

Even in the last season, Joel played in some 39 games due to his knee injury which occurred in late January. The injury even took his chances to defend his MVP award. His issues stem from a long history of knee problems, including a torn meniscus in 2017 and a bone bruise in 2021. His injury troubles have been a constant challenge throughout his career.

But Joel feels a bit different about the situation. He voiced his frustrations regarding frequent injuries in a past instance. He said, “I’ve been saying it for the last few months. It’s been extremely depressing”. He wished his desire to be a contributor to the team and added, It’s something that hasn’t been figured out, and it’s been extremely annoying, because I would love to play every single game.”

So what does that mean for his career? Will the team consider his return, or decide to bench him for this season?

Joel Embiid’s road ahead with 76ers decision

Some reports indicate that the 76ers believe Joel Embiid’s knee will not require surgery. And it looks like the 76ers have opted for a patient approach. Josh instilled his faith in him saying. “I want him to get his body right and get on the court. If he gets back on the court, everything’s going to fall into place.” He further added, “I know him as a person, and I know him as an individual, and I know how hard he’s working. I think he’s also super-smart and very in-tune with his body.”

This shows how much faith his team has and they look forward at Joel to bounce back. Despite their current record of 17-27 and being outside of the play-in tournament picture, the 76ers are not considering tanking the season. Within the team, there have been discussions that when Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey are healthy, they have a chance to contend regardless of their playoff seeding.

The 76ers’ approach also considers the potential drawbacks of tanking. They believe that the difference in quality between the fifth or sixth pick in the upcoming draft and a pick outside of that range is not enough and tanking wouldn’t give them a significant advantage. This perspective, along with the commitment to their star players, reinforces their decision to remain competitive.

Harris wrapped up by saying, “He has a whole team around him, and we have a whole team around him. He’s getting the absolute best care and best advice. I’m hopeful that he’ll fight through this and make it happen, and that’s what we’re going to plan for right now.” Joel Embiid’s absence is definitely been felt by the team, but it looks like they have confidence in him and are optimistic about his return.