Joel Embiid has been the consistent driving force behind the Philadelphia 76ers’ consistent performances in the league over the last few seasons. However, his recent injury has proved to be a setback in the regular season campaign of the franchise.
Yesterday, it was revealed to the fans that Joel Embiid has been diagnosed with a significant injury that will keep him away from the court for a significant period which arises as a cause of concern for the Philadelphia 76ers.
How problematic is Joel Embiid’s meniscus tear?
Philadelphia 76ers superstar and reigning Most Valuable Player Joel Embiid is out of the MVP race after the star missed his 14th game this season, disqualifying him from contention due to the NBA’s minimum 65-game rule for the award.
The superstar who has been on a tear this season was diagnosed with a displaced flap of the meniscus in his left knee and the team is yet to decide their future course of action, considering all the possible outcomes that could happen. A displaced flap is classified as a type of tear to the meniscus, and it has affected Embiid’s left knee after an incident which involved the Warriors’ Jonathan Kuminga falling on the player.
Initially classified as “soreness” and “swelling”, the severity of the injury has increased significantly which leaves the 76ers and Embiid with two options before them. The first one would be resting and providing adequate rehabilitation that carries risk of further aggravation. The other alternative available to Joel Embiid is to undergo surgery that translates to an extended absence of the player from the team.
Joel Embiid’s injury comes as a huge blow for the Sixers who are set to conclude the player’s course of action by Monday. Without the presence of Embiid, it is going to be an uphill battle for the team who are trying to assert their dominance in the Eastern Conference of the league.
Can Sixers stay in contention after Embiid’s loss
The biggest question that arises through Joel Embiid’s significant injury is whether the Philadelphia 76ers will be able to compete as eloquently without the reigning MVP.
There is no doubt that the 76ers have a solid roster around them which is guided by one-time champion and former Raptors coach Nick Nurse who has formulated the best plays with Embiid as the floor general. Now, in the absence of Embiid, all eyes will be on young and rising star, Tyrese Maxey who has established a strong identity playing alongside the superstar.
While there is certainly no apt replacement for Joel Embiid, the Sixers will have to rally together as one unit on both ends of the court if they want to move forward in the standings. While Maxey is a capable asset, it certainly is difficult for the youngster to carry the entire team on a nightly basis, as Embiid does. Nurse will hope to utilize the trio of Kelly Oubre Jr, Tobias Harris, and Tyrese Maxey to match the stellar average of 35.3 points per game, 11.3 rebounds and 5.7 assists that Joel Embiid provided the team with.
With no certain timeline for Embiid’s return to the court, the 76ers have no time to waste and have established contingency plans that will see them through the regular season, if they do have to play without their crucial superstar for the entirety of the season.
What are your thoughts on Joel Embiid’s injury? Will the 76ers win a championship this season without the reigning MVP? What is the team’s ceiling? We are eager to know your thoughts and opinions on Joel Embiid and the 76ers, so feel free to drop your comments below.
