Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has endured various injury challenges throughout his professional career, with these issues persisting in the ongoing 2024-25 NBA season. Notably, on February 4, 2025, Embiid returned to the court after missing 15 consecutive games due to a left knee injury. However, on February 28, the 76ers declared that he would miss the remainder of the season because of continuing complications related to his left knee.
The recent decision has sent shockwaves through the Sixers’ fanbase. They’re left wondering if Embiid can bounce back to his top-tier performance or manage more minutes on the hardwood. At the same time, Embiid’s situation is becoming more complex as the 76ers weigh a potentially jaw-dropping move.
“At that point, an independent doctor selected by the NBA and NBPA would examine Embiid. If agreed he can no longer play, his remaining contract would be wiped off the books for the Sixers,” according to NBA analyst Keith Smith.
76ers could petition for a ‘medical retirement’ for Joel Embiid if he’s unable to play a year from now, per @KeithSmithNBA
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) March 1, 2025
“At that point, an independent doctor selected by the NBA and NBPA would examine Embiid. If agreed he can no longer play, his remaining contract would be… pic.twitter.com/aXuCzLoNWy
Keith Smith of Front Office Sports noted that if Joel Embiid is unable to participate in games beginning February 22, 2026, which would mark one year since his last appearance, the Sixers may pursue a petition for medical retirement.
Dwight Howard Reflects On Joel Embiid’s Season-Ending News
Joel Embiid’s season-ending news has reverberated through the entire NBA community, causing a stir among players, analysts, and fans alike. This unexpected news has sparked widespread discussion regarding its impact on the Philadelphia 76ers. Notable figures have weighed in on the situation, including Dwight Howard, a seasoned player who achieved his NBA championship glory with the Los Angeles Lakers in the 2019-20 season. Howard took his thoughts to social media.
“When the man tell you his situation listen Joel said he wasn’t going to play back to backs to prevent this now he out the whole season … yall forgot he missed 2 seasons before he was even a rookie?” Howard wrote in his recent post on X (formerly Twitter).
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When the man tell you his situation listen 🤷🏾♂️Joel said he wasn’t going to play back to backs to prevent this now he out the whole season … yall forgot he missed 2 seasons before he was even a rookie?
— Dwight Howard (@DwightHoward) March 1, 2025
The 76ers are currently facing a challenging situation in the ongoing 2024-25 NBA season. They are in 12th place in the Eastern Conference standings with a record of 20 wins and 38 losses. Their next game will be against the Golden State Warriors at the Wells Fargo Center.
Also Read: Former NBA Champion Delivers Blunt Verdict On Philadelphia 76ers Duo Joel Embiid And Paul George
