Sixers come to terms with reality: Joel Embiid finally shut down for the season

It’s over. It’s been over, but now it’s officially over. Joel Embiid is done for the season, and with him, so are the Sixers’ already microscopic playoff hopes.

The team announced Friday that Joel Embiid will miss the remainder of the year as he continues to deal with the lingering issues in his left knee—the same one that required meniscus surgery last February.

According to the team, they are still determining the best treatment plan, but one thing is certain: Joel Embiid won’t be coming back anytime soon.

Joel Embiid OUT for the remainder of the season

Philadelphia's Joel Embiid has been ruled out for the season. pic.twitter.com/5AHSkwHtPr

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) February 28, 2025

This news broke just hours after the Sixers ruled Embiid out for Saturday’s matchup against the Warriors. And while fans had been hoping for some kind of miracle return, the writing was already on the wall. Embiid only played 19 games this season, and the team was spiraling even with him in the lineup.

Now? A full-scale tank might be the best path forward.

Where Do the Sixers Go From Here?

The Sixers (20-38) are currently 12th in the East, 2.5 games back of the 10th-seeded Bulls, and riding an NBA-worst nine-game losing streak. Their top-six protected pick in this year’s draft suddenly looks very valuable, and with Embiid out of the equation, what exactly is the point of pushing for a play-in spot?

Even if, by some miracle, the Sixers clawed their way into the tournament, what’s the endgame? Getting bounced in the first round? Watching Paul George play 40 minutes a night in April after taking half the season off?

At this point, tanking is the only logical move. It keeps that pick, helps reset for next season, and gives Embiid the proper time to recover instead of rushing back to play meaningless basketball.

pic.twitter.com/jiknvYnrXS

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) February 28, 2025

A Lost Season, But Not a Lost Future (Hopefully)

The silver lining? The Sixers should have a ton of cap space this summer, a potential lottery pick, and plenty of flexibility.

The question is: will Daryl Morey actually do something with it?

For now, Sixers fans can finally let go of the delusion that this season had any hope left. It’s time to tank. It’s time to prepare for what will be the most important offseason of the Joel Embiid era—because if the Sixers don’t get it right this summer, there’s a good chance we’re watching his final days in Philly play out before our eyes.

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