76ers Sideline Joel Embiid for Entire Preseason to Protect MVP’s Knee Ahead of Pivotal 2024-25 Season
The Philadelphia 76ers recently announced that their star center, Joel Embiid, will miss the remainder of the preseason due to ongoing management of his left knee. Despite being one of the top five players in the NBA when healthy,
Embiid has been plagued by injuries throughout his career, missing 43 games last season alone. This latest precautionary measure comes after he was evaluated by doctors, with the team stating that Embiid is progressing well and will continue with a personalized treatment plan to ensure his health for the upcoming season.
Michael Scotto of HoopsHype reported the news, noting that the Sixers are prioritizing Embiid’s long-term fitness. Fans had mixed reactions to the announcement. Some, like @SixersJustin, expressed hope that Embiid will be ready for the season opener, while others, such as @Beardaknowledge, questioned his involvement in the Olympics given his knee issues.
Concerns about his injury history were echoed by fans like @walekroos, while @ValleyoftheSuns sparked debate by asking if Kevin Durant, despite being older, would be a better option for a trade due to Embiid’s frequent injuries.
Last season, Embiid dominated the league, posting MVP-caliber numbers with 34.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and nearly two blocks per game. The Sixers are hoping to make a deep playoff run in the 2024-25 season, and Embiid’s health is crucial for their success. Philadelphia will open the regular season on October 23 against Damian Lillard and the revamped Milwaukee Bucks.