Joel Embiid's Stellar Career Marred by Recurring Injuries
Joel Embiid, the talented center for the Philadelphia 76ers, entered the world on March 16, 1994. The NBA selected him third overall in the first round of the 2014 draft. Over the years, Embiid has built an impressive resume. He earned seven NBA All-Star selections, five All-NBA team honors, and three All-Defensive Team nods. The player also secured two scoring championships, showcasing his offensive prowess.
A Decade of Achievement and Setbacks
In 2023, the league recognized Embiid as the NBA Most Valuable Player. This crowning achievement arrived ten years after his draft selection. At thirty years old, he holds two scoring titles and an Olympic gold medal. Despite these accomplishments, a persistent issue shadows his career. Joel Embiid remains highly susceptible to injuries, which frequently interrupt his playing time.
Before the 2024-25 NBA season commenced, the 76ers center sparked controversy with remarks about playing back-to-back games. This statement highlighted ongoing concerns about his physical durability. A clear pattern has emerged over the past decade. Knee and foot problems have repeatedly forced Embiid to the sidelines, sometimes ending his seasons prematurely.
The Early Years: Establishing a Troubling Trend
In January 2017, during his 30th NBA game, Embiid took a hard fall. This incident aggravated his left knee, causing significant swelling and soreness. He missed Philadelphia's next three contests as a result. After briefly returning to action, swelling in the same knee sent him back to the bench. Medical tests on February 11 revealed a torn meniscus in his left knee. Doctors determined surgery was unnecessary at that time.
However, knee edema developed, making his status doubtful. By February 27, swelling worsened, and the team ruled him out indefinitely. Another significant injury occurred in March 2018. Embiid collided with teammate Markelle Fultz, suffering an orbital fracture. This injury kept him out for ten consecutive games, including the first two matchups of Philadelphia's playoff series against the Miami Heat. Upon his return, he wore a distinctive black protective mask.
Continued Struggles in Prime Seasons
January 2020 brought another painful episode. During a win over the Oklahoma City Thunder, Embiid sustained a severe finger injury. This damage required surgical intervention, forcing him to miss nine subsequent games. The pattern continued into his prime years. On May 31, 2021, in Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Playoffs against the Washington Wizards, Embiid fell awkwardly. Medical staff diagnosed a partially torn meniscus in his right knee, sidelining him for one game.
April 2022 presented a new challenge. Facing the Toronto Raptors in Game 3 of the playoffs, Embiid tore a ligament in his right thumb. Reports indicated this injury would need offseason surgery. Then, in January 2024, during a 119-107 loss to the Golden State Warriors, Draymond Green and Jonathan Kuminga double-teamed Embiid. Kuminga stripped the ball, and Embiid collapsed to the court. This incident led to a lengthy absence of 29 games and another surgical procedure.
Recent Seasons and Ongoing Management
The 2024-25 season began with further complications. Embiid missed the entire preseason due to left knee injury management. This issue also kept him out of Philadelphia's regular season opener in October. He returned briefly in November, playing four games over nine days. Then, swelling in his left knee reappeared, initially sidelining him for two games. The problem proved more serious than anticipated, causing him to miss seven total games over two weeks.
Embiid managed four of Philadelphia's next five contests before another setback. On January 6, 2025, the team ruled him out following reports of a foot sprain sustained on Christmas Day. Initially listed as day-to-day, his absence stretched to 15 consecutive games. Team officials later reclassified the issue from a sprained left foot to left knee injury management, underscoring the persistent nature of these physical challenges.
Throughout his NBA journey, Joel Embiid has demonstrated extraordinary talent and resilience. His MVP award and multiple accolades confirm his elite status. Yet, his career narrative remains inextricably linked to a long history of lower-body injuries. These recurring issues continue to test his durability and impact his availability for the Philadelphia 76ers.
