76ers and Joel Embiid are consulting doctors and considering ‘alternative options’ on his injured knee after treatments show zero improvement

At 20-36 and sliding into complete irrelevance, it looks like the Philadelphia 76ers are finally coming to grips with reality—this season is cooked. At the center of that realization is Joel Embiid’s lingering knee injury, which hasn’t improved despite his efforts to play through it.

According to Shams Charania, the 76ers and Joel Embiid are now consulting doctors to explore alternative options for his knee, which might be the strongest sign yet that shutting him down could be on the table.

76ers and Joel Embiid are consulting doctors and considering alternative options on his injured knee:

Reporting further for NBA Countdown on ESPN now on Joel Embiid and the 76ers set to consult specialists on the best path forward with his ailing knee. https://t.co/hNZV1wGTL1

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 23, 2025

The Writing Was on the Wall

This news shouldn’t come as a surprise. Embiid hasn’t looked like himself for weeks, and Nick Nurse basically admitted as much after Saturday’s loss to Brooklyn, saying, “He’s not himself. He’s giving us what he can.”

Against the Nets, Embiid sat out the entire fourth quarter in a game that was still up for grabs. That alone tells you everything you need to know about where he is physically.

Personally, I would like some accountability in the fact that Joel Embiid played a single minute this year when all signs have pointed to the fact that he wasn’t ready to return to the court. I highly doubt we’ll get that from Daryl Morey or anyone else in the front office though so please, don’t hold your breath.

Let’s be real—the Sixers gain nothing from running him out there at this point. They’re not competing for anything, he’s clearly hurt, and every game he plays increases the risk of making things worse.

Joel Embiid’s Worst Season in Years

By his own MVP standards, Embiid has been a shell of himself this year:

• 23.8 PPG, 8.2 RPG—his worst numbers since his rookie season.
• Mobility is shot, and his impact on both ends has declined significantly.
• Knee pain has lingered all year, and he himself has hinted at another potential surgery.

So what are we even doing here?

The Sixers Should Shut Him Down—And Embrace the Tank

At this point, keeping Embiid on the floor makes no sense. The season is a failure, the roster is not built to compete, and there’s a far greater upside in losing than fighting for some meaningless wins.

Here’s why tanking actually makes sense:

1. Their first-round pick is top-6 protected. If it falls outside the top six, it goes to Oklahoma City. Losing now could secure that pick and give them a young piece for the future.
2. Let the younger players develop. Why not let Tyrese Maxey take full control of the offense and see what you have in guys like Jared McCain and Adem Bona?
3. Preserve Embiid for next season. If he plays through this and it gets worse, next season could be jeopardized before it even starts.

The Sixers are stuck in basketball purgatory and unfortunately, it’s only getting worse

What’s Next?

The Sixers haven’t officially announced anything yet, but the fact that they’re openly exploring new options for Embiid’s knee suggests we’re nearing the end of his 2024-25 campaign.

It’s the smart move. The Sixers already wasted this season—now, they need to make sure they don’t waste the next one too.

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