The Philadelphia 76ers are reportedly making it clear they want star player Joel Embiid to make some serious changes.
Despite being their $213 million superstar, the team is no longer “coddling” him, according to sources close to the situation.
It’s becoming increasingly likely that the 76ers will shut Embiid down for the rest of the season, potentially opting for surgery if needed.
Team’s Growing Concerns Over Embiid’s Health
Embiid, who’s currently under a four-year, $213 million contract, has had his fair share of injury troubles this season.
After being ruled out of the game against the Chicago Bulls due to concerns with his left knee, the team is evaluating the severity of his condition.
Embiid has already played in just 19 out of the 56 games this season, and the 76ers are concerned that his health may not improve with continued play.
In Saturday’s narrow loss to the Brooklyn Nets, Embiid was noticeably affected by a knee issue after a late-game mishap, which left him out for the entire fourth quarter.
Post-game reports indicated significant swelling in his knee.
Surgery and Weight Concerns
Embiid, who underwent surgery for a meniscus tear just last year, is no stranger to injury-related setbacks.
While he has acknowledged that the knee might require more time to heal, the 76ers are leaning towards a decision to shut him down for the remainder of the 2024-25 season.
If surgery is required, the team is hoping for an immediate procedure so that Embiid can be ready for the next campaign.
But the team’s concerns go beyond just his health—they want to see improvements in his overall fitness, including shedding some pounds.
A source familiar with the situation revealed that the team believes weight loss could help reduce the strain on Embiid’s knees, potentially easing some of the pressure on his long-term health.
A Tough Decision for the 76ers
Currently sitting 12th in the Eastern Conference standings, the 76ers are 1.5 games away from a playoff spot.
However, with their path to a title looking increasingly bleak this year, management is prioritizing Embiid’s future health.
The team is prepared to make a decision about shutting him down as early as next week, with some suggesting that it’s now just a matter of finalizing the logistics.
The 76ers’ focus is clear: they want to ensure Embiid is fully healthy for the years to come, rather than risking further injury this season.
While the team hasn’t made an official statement yet, it’s evident that their strategy is to give the MVP-caliber player the best chance at recovery.