The season from hell for Joel Embiid is officially over.
It barely got off the ground, but the former-MVP won’t be stepping back on the court this year.
The Sixers announced that they are shutting down their All-NBA big man for the rest of the season.
Embiid appeared in just 19 appearances (out of a possible 58), averaging 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds and 4.5 assists.
Philadelphia had been trying to manage Embiid’s pain and swelling in his left knee, which required lateral meniscus surgery in February 2024, but ultimately it was to no avail.
The team put out a statement on Friday afternoon announcing the news.
“The Philadelphia 76ers and Joel Embiid have been consulting with top specialists regarding ongoing issues with his left knee,” the statement read.
“After further evaluation, it has been determined that he is medically unable to play and will miss the remainder of the season to focus on treatment and rehabilitation.
“We are working with medical experts to determine the exact treatment plan and will update media when we have more information.
“The team and specialists will continue working with Joel to ensure the best path forward for his long-term health and performance.”
Fans believed that Embiid should never have been playing to begin with.
‘The Sixers have managed the Joel Embiid situation horribly,’ one fan posted on X.
‘He never should’ve came back last year for the playoffs after that meniscus surgery. He never should’ve played in the Olympics, especially seeing how he was moving. He never should’ve played this season.’
‘He should’ve gotten another surgery,’ one fan commented.
It brings an end to Embiid’s disappointing season that had legitimate title aspirations before it began, especially with the addition of Paul George over the summer.
Fast forward less than six months later, Embiid is now done for the year and George has been historically awful.
Calling it a season from hell for the Sixers would be putting it too kindly.
The Sixers are 20-38.
That is good for 12th in the lowly Eastern Conference and almost three full games behind the 10th seed and a shot at the play-in game.
To make matters worse for the franchise, they are on the hook for almost $300 million when it comes to their franchise player.
They oddly backed up the Brink’s trucks for Embiid in September and signed him to a 3-year, $193M extension, knowing full well the issues he had been dealing with.
The extension brought his current deal to a total of nearly $300 million, that also includes a player option in the contract’s last year in 2028-2029.
And now, he will be sitting on the bench the rest of the year.
For all intents and purposes, basketball season is over in Philadelphia.
Just keep watching reruns of Super Bowl LIX Philly fans.
You’ll be okay.