Joel Embiid’s stellar 2022-23 season, culminating in the NBA MVP honors Philadelphia 76ers center, appears to be a distant memory. His 7-footer professional basketball career has been hampered by injuries, and knee issues have contributed to his latest setback.
On Friday, the Six announced that a left knee injury would force the seven NBA All-stars to watch the game from the rest of the season from their side jobs. He received procedures to deal with knee problems last February, but it appears he never returned to shape. Emid and Six tried to manage knee pain and swelling this season before shutting him down.
For sports coverage on foxnews.com, click here
Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers will leave the court on Tuesday, November 12, 2024 after the 76ers lost an Emirates NBA Cup basketball game against the New York Knicks in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/MattSlocum)
The 76ers said the decision to close Embiid through the stretch of the 2024-25 campaign was made once he was determined to be “medical unplayable.”
“The Philadelphia 76ers and Joel Embiid are consulting with top experts on ongoing issues with his left knee. After further evaluation, he was determined to be unable to play medically and miss the rest of the season to focus on treatment and rehabilitation,” the team said in a statement.
2024-25 NBA Championship Odds: Thunder preferred, Celtics closed
“We will work with healthcare professionals to determine the exact treatment plan and update the media when more information is available. Our team and experts will continue to work with Joel to ensure the best path for long-term health and performance.”
Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers will be monitored from the bench later in the NBA basketball game against the Indiana Pacers in Indianapolis on October 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Daron Cummings)
Counting 164 games, he was his third overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, missing out on his first two seasons, the one left of this season, and Embiid will play at 452 of the 883 76ers game by the end of this season.
The 76ers are 8-11 with Embiid this season and 12-27 without him.
Embiid has been suffering from injuries throughout the season and offered a three-game suspension by pushing in media members. He averaged 23.8 points. He scored two scoring titles in his final three seasons with at least 30 points, and only 29 points in his final two games.
Embiid admitted earlier this month that he might have to undergo another surgery on his left knee.
Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers will film a free throw during a game against the San Antonio Spurs at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA on January 22, 2024. (via Jesse D. Gallabrant/Getty Images))
“I think the simple answer is that when you have something inconsistent, you have to do something about it at some point,” Embiid said. “I don’t know what it is. I’m considering all the options.”
He played just 39 games last season for a burst Meniscus in his left knee. Embiid won a gold medal with the US Olympic team at the Paris Games last year.
Since earning League MVP honors, he has only played 58 regular season games and seven play-in tournaments and playoff games.
Click here to get the Fox News app
Embiid signed a $193 million contract extension ahead of the season, depositing nearly $266 million in carrier revenue in the bank.
Philadelphia has joined as one of his favorites competing for an NBA title this season, but the team is in the middle of a nine-game winning streak. The Six entered Friday in 12th place in the Eastern Conference rankings.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
Follow Fox News Digital’s Sports Coverage on X and subscribe to Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
