Joel Embiid is looking to return from a very severe injury, but one NBA medical expert thinks he’s facing an uphill battle.
Joel Embiid has struggled over the last few seasons. After winning the 2023 NBA MVP award, Embiid has constantly faced some injury concerns.
Last season in particular was quite bad, as Embiid missed almost the entire campaign due to injuries. This was made even worse for the Philadelphia 76ers, as Paul George also missed most of the season.
Despite this, the 76ers are planning to keep George and Embiid together. The hope is that last season was an aberration and the two players can return to full health next season.
Well, that hope may be shattered, as Embiid is set to enter 76ers training camp with an injury. He could end up missing their preseason games.
In fact, according to one NBA insider, Embiid’s injury is a lot worse than expected. An NBA medical expert believes Embiid will struggle to recover from it.
Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty ImagesJoel Embiid faces historic injury problem, says NBA doctor
Brett Siegel of Clutch Points spoke about the Joel Embiid situation in his latest piece. One anonymous NBA team doctor didn’t give a positive prognosis for Embiid’s injury situation.
He believes that Embiid is trying to come back from multiple injuries, something other players haven’t been able to do. On top of that, he feels that the damage has been done.
“Few players have been able to come back from multiple surgeries and injuries to the same part of their body, which is what Joel is trying to achieve.
“For him specifically, his injury history and knee issues go back to when he first entered the league. To even play at the level he has to this point is remarkable.
“Of course, everyone wants to see him back and 100 percent healthy, as the league is better with all of its stars on the court.
“The reality here is that the damage has been done, and none of us can get word on if it’s actually repairable.”
Philadelphia 76ers might have to consider moving on from The Process
Joel Embiid is the last remaining piece from ‘The Process’ era of the Philadelphia 76ers. And while he has been a great player for them, he’s spending more time on the sidelines than on the court for them.
The 76ers have a nice young core of Jared McCain, Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, and Quentin Grimes (provided he re-signs with them).
Would it be smart for the Philadelphia 76ers to rebuild their team around the four players mentioned above rather than waste time with Embiid?
Embiid, when healthy, is one of the best players in the NBA. Unfortunately, him being healthy has become somewhat of a rarity in the NBA.
It will be interesting to see how he comes into the new season, and whether his health concerns cause the 76ers to blow it up before the deadline.