A lost season, months of speculation, and finally, an answer.
Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee next week, according to NBA insider Shams Charania. This is now the second surgery Embiid will undergo on that knee in less than a year.
The Sixers later confirmed Shams Charania’s earlier reporting, stating:
“Following consultations with medical experts, it has been determined that Joel Embiid will undergo arthroscopic surgery next week to address his left knee. Further updates will be provided following the procedure.”
In late February, Embiid was ruled out for the rest of the year. His season lasted just 19 games, during which time he averaged 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists. Embiid and the Sixers met with doctors in hopes of determining the best treatment to alleviate his knee issues. After months of silence, the answer appears to be to go back under the knife.
Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that will likely include a simple scope of Embiid’s knee, meaning that surgeons will attempt to clean scar tissue and other potential debris from his knee. The issue is that it is a short-term resolution, not a true fix.
The hopeful case is that this alleviates some of the pain Embiid has been experiencing in his knee, allowing him to return to the game in a capacity closer to how he played in 2023-2024 than last season. However, there’s no guarantee that the benefits will be lasting as it does not actually solve the problem.
Unfortunately, it’s not a case of whether or not a scope is all Embiid needs. The organization’s initial approach and apparent unwillingness to agree on revisiting surgical options proves that, as does the science behind the procedure.
Hopefully, the surgery is a complete success, and Embiid will be able to return to an MVP level or thereabouts. Perhaps he can gradually adjust to the difference in his knee, finding a balance between where he was in 2023-2024 and last season, but that is by no means a guarantee just because he is once again having surgery.
