Philadelphia 76ers’ superstar
center Joel Embiid has been officially sidelined for the rest of
the 2024-2025 NBA season because of persistent issues with his left
knee, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

The team announced that after
consulting with medical specialists, it was determined that Embiid
requires dedicated treatment and rehabilitation to address the
injury. This season, Embiid appeared in only 19 games, averaging
23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists per game, the lowest of
his career since his rookie and sophomore years. His shooting
percentage stood at 44.4%, below his career average of
50.1%.

ANALYSIS: The 30-year-old center
has been grappling with knee complications since undergoing surgery
for a meniscus tear in February 2024, which limited him to 39 games
in the previous season. Despite efforts to manage the condition,
including consultations with specialists and imaging tests, the
decision was made to prioritize his long-term health.

Embiid’s absence is a
significant blow to the 76ers, who currently hold a 20-38 record
and are positioned 12th in the Eastern Conference, trailing 2.5
games behind the Chicago Bulls for a potential Play-In Tournament
spot. 

The team’s struggles have been
compounded by the underperformance of key players, including the
recently signed Paul George. With Embiid’s extended contract
committing nearly $300 million to the franchise, his health remains
a critical concern for the organization’s future. As the 76ers face
the possibility of missing the postseason for the first time since
2017, attention shifts to developing a comprehensive treatment plan
to ensure Embiid’s readiness for the 2025-2026 season.