Joel Embiid, Sixers' front office clashed over knee issues

There was some “tension” between Joel Embiid and the Sixers‘ front office before he decided to undergo arthroscopic surgery on his injured left knee, ESPN’s Shams Charania said Thursday in an appearance on First Take (h/t to Real GM).

Embiid has experienced repeated knee issues since suffering a lateral meniscus injury last winter. He underwent a procedure on the knee and was able to return for the playoffs, although his mobility was limited. After playing in the Summer Olympics, Embiid continued to be bothered by swelling in the knee and could only suit up for 19 games this season.

“The team believed he needed to play at some points of the season, that he needed to get his conditioning right through playing and getting better that way,” Charania said. “He felt like he needed surgery. He ends up getting the surgery.”

Embiid and the Sixers have consulted with medical specialists to determine the best treatment. Charania states that some “radical” options would have resulted in Embiid missing all of next season. By choosing arthroscopic surgery, he’s projected to be reevaluated in six weeks and eventually make a full recovery that will enable him to play in 2025-26.

Embiid’s knee issues are among the flood injuries that destroyed the season in Philadelphia. The Sixers entered training camp hoping to contend for a title, but instead, they’re 23-54 with a 10-game losing streak and are trying to hold onto their top-six protected first-round pick in this year’s draft.

Before the Bucks and Sixers met Thursday night, Milwaukee coach Doc Rivers informed reporters that Embiid told him during a Feb. 9 game that he was probably headed for surgery again, relays Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. Rivers, who coached Embiid for three seasons in Philadelphia, expressed sympathy for his former player.

“I mean, it’s tough,” Rivers said. “The guy is as talented as anyone I ever coached. And it’s just too bad for him.”