Joel Embiid has been dealing with ongoing knee issues in 2024, which led to a surgery on his left meniscus earlier in the year. His recovery and management have been gradual, with the Philadelphia 76ers opting to keep him out of preseason games to ensure he returns at full health. Embiid’s left knee is being closely monitored by team doctors to prevent further complications, as it’s the same knee that caused him significant trouble last season. As a result, Embiid missed the season opener and other early games, with re-evaluations planned regularly to manage his ramp-up to full play.
The Sixers are taking a cautious approach, focusing on a personalized rehab plan to keep Embiid fit for the long season ahead. They aim to avoid early burnout, prioritizing his availability and performance for the playoffs.
In October 2024, the NBA fined the Philadelphia 76ers $100,000 for the third time this year due to issues with transparency around Joel Embiid’s health status. The NBA ruled that the Sixers’ statements on Embiid’s participation were misleading, which also impacted the league’s integrity policies, especially important due to partnerships with betting organizations. This fine follows ongoing league scrutiny over the 76ers’ injury reporting practices as Embiid has not yet played in the current season.
Joel Embiid was very upset when he talked to the media today. Here is what he had to say via Sixers Wire.
Embiid’s rant on those who questioned his injury and toughness
For context, Embiid is referring to a column written by Marcus Hayes of The Philadelphia Inquirer
“It was never decided. Like I said, everybody has been on the same page. If your body doesn’t react well and your body tells you one thing—I’ve done it. From what I can tell you, I’ve broken my face twice. I came back early with the risk of losing my vision. I had broken fingers. I still came back so I’m not gonna sit here and be like—when I see people saying he doesn’t want to play. I’ve been through way too much. I’ve done way too much for this city and putting myself at risk for people to be saying that so I do think it’s (expletive). Like, that dude, he’s not here, Marcus whatever his name is. I’ve done way too much for this (expletive) city to be treated like this so I’ve done way too (expletive) much, but like I said, I wish I was as lucky as other ones, but that doesn’t mean that I’m not trying and I’m not doing whatever it takes to be out there which I’m gonna be here pretty soon.”
Embiid on if the Olympics caused any issues with his knee
“No. I think I was fine. When you got a chance to compete for a gold medal for the U.S. and representing your country, you can’t pass that up. I don’t care what anybody says. That’s just something you can’t pass up. It felt good to win. It felt good to be part of the experience. I knew going in I wasn’t needed to do what I do with my team—carry the load. Honestly, I did nothing. I basically was being there. I had my little moment. We all did. We just knew that we were good enough that we just knew that some games it’s gonna be someone. Some games it’s gonna be others so just play and I was happy just getting rebounds and setting screens and rolling and getting guys open and playing defense. I was happy doing that so really I had nothing. I never put myself at risk of something happening. That was the easiest load I ever had in my life. Like I said, it was a great experience and having the chance to win something and I know it doesn’t mean anything to Americans, but winning gold medal means a lot to me and that was special.”
Embiid went on to say it is more mental than physical and he will play when he feels he is ready.
Who side are you on?
Flip the page for the full interview.
