The Philadelphia 76ers remain optimistic that their star center, Joel Embiid, can return to action this season. Embiid is currently out after undergoing surgery last week to address a meniscus tear in his left knee.
Speaking with reporters on Friday, 76ers’ president of basketball operations Daryl Morey said that Embiid’s rehab is going well and that the organization is “hopeful” his 2023-24 campaign isn’t over.
“We’re hopeful. Feedback has been more good than bad since first we heard about what led to his procedure. So we’re hopeful, and we’re building the team to make it better this year,” said Morey. “Obviously, it’s not at 100%. But we felt like with Joel playing at an MVP level, where hopefully he could get back to that this is a year that we have a real shot.”
The 76ers previously announced that Embiid is set to be reevaluated in four weeks and that more information about his timetable would be shared after that.
Joel Embiid was in the midst of his best campaign as a pro before the injury. He averaged a league-leading 35.3 points alongside 11.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.8 blocks.
It remains to be seen whether Embiid can return before it’s too late for the 76ers. Without their best player, Philly has fallen off a cliff, losing four straight and going 2-8 in their last 10 games. They are currently sitting fifth in the Eastern Conference with a 30-21 record.
