Reigning NBA MVP Joel Embiid is set to undergo surgery to address a meniscus injury sustained during a recent game against the Golden State Warriors. The Philadelphia 76ers have not provided a specific timetable for his return, raising concerns about the remainder of the season.
BREAKING: 76ers star Joel Embiid — the reigning MVP — will undergo a procedure this week to repair a left meniscus injury, a team official tells ESPN. A recovery timeline is expected after procedure, but expectation is that he will miss an extended period of time. pic.twitter.com/9c3ZqM7iT2
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 5, 2024
Fan Reactions on Social Media
NBA fans took to social media platforms to share their opinions and concerns regarding Joel Embiid’s surgery decision.
Some of the sentiments shared by fans include:
- “Makes literally ZERO sense to bring him back ngl when 80% of their team is expiring contracts, and they’ll have one of the biggest salary caprooms to work with this offseason. They are a 2nd round exit at very best.”
Makes literally ZERO sense to bring him back ngl when 80% of their team is expiring contracts and they’ll have one of the biggest salary caprooms to work with this offseason.
They are a 2nd round exit at very best
— Official Small Market Sympathizer (@OTownNBA) February 5, 2024
- “I just want Embiid healthy long term. Even if that means missing the rest of the season.”
- “He shouldn’t come back.”
- “He’s out for the season.”
- “It’s over. This is a 6-8 week recovery.”
It’s over . This is a 6-8 week recovery.
— N💙toriousBastard💙 (@Thomasdfamily05) February 5, 2024
- “The door is closed on a return if they are smart.”
The door isn’t closed on an Embiid return this season, sources tell ESPN, but there will be a clearer idea on a timeline once the procedure is complete this week. https://t.co/RJrAkEKVsz
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) February 5, 2024
Concerns About Bringing Him Back
Some fans emphasized the strategic aspect, arguing that it makes “ZERO sense” to bring Embiid back this season, especially given the team’s situation with expiring contracts and the potential for a significant salary cap in the upcoming offseason.
Focus on Long-Term Health
Others emphasized the importance of Joel Embiid’s long-term well-being, stating that they just want him to be healthy, even if it means missing the remainder of the season. Fans echoed the sentiment urging caution and suggesting there’s “no need to rush.”
no need to rush, make him heal and be ready next season
— Jan Ønfrøy (@ezmnysnpr) February 5, 2024
Season-Ending Predictions
Predictions about Joel Embiid being out for the season were prevalent among fans, with some indicating that a 6-8 week recovery time suggested the likelihood of him missing a substantial portion of the campaign.
Ineligibility for MVP Award
The discussion also touched upon the implications of Joel Embiid’s potential absence on his eligibility for the MVP award. Fans acknowledged that the new league rule requiring players to appear in at least 65 games would make Embiid ineligible, ending his bid for a repeat MVP.
Joel Embiid has a limit of six more games he can miss if he wants to remain eligible for the MVP award this season 👀 pic.twitter.com/OzMRlv2VA7
— OutOfSightSports🚀™️ (@OOSSports) January 28, 2024
Sixers’ Struggles Without Embiid
The Sixers have faced challenges in Jeol Embiid’s absence, winning only four of the 14 games he has missed. The team’s current standings as the fifth seed in the Eastern Conference add to the uncertainties surrounding Embiid’s return and its impact on the remainder of the season.
Comments