Embiid shut down ‘indefinitely’ with knee that isn’t so swell
As recently as Friday, 76ers president Bryan Colangelo was convinced Joel Embiid had a minor meniscus tear that would not require surgery.
By Monday, the Sixers were reporting “swelling and soreness” in Embiid’s left knee and were shutting the center down “indefinitely.”
An MRI, scheduled for Monday, was to provide the Sixers with additional information.
“With respect to what’s developed the last couple of days, it’s quite simple,” Colangelo said. “Joel developed a little bit of swelling and soreness, and we’re reacting in a way that’s proactive. We wanted to be more communicative with our fans. We wanted to make sure that there’s less question about whether or not he would be available. So this is literally changing, from ‘out for the next two games’ to ‘out indefinitely.’ So there’s no concern there.”
Embiid was injured in a Jan. 20 victory over visiting Portland. Since then, he has played once. Initially, the Sixers reported a bruised left knee. Embiid volunteered that it had been “hyperextended.” Later, the situation was termed a “bone bruise,” which typically means it carries a more likely possibility of a fracture, should it be left unattended. Finally, Colangelo acknowledged that Embiid also had a slightly torn meniscus.
Colangelo has insisted NBA players often play through meniscus tears. They do not heal without even if minor.
“I’ve been told that it’s not the cause of any symptoms that he is having or that are ongoing,” Colangelo said. “But I was told again that it was a non-acute injury, that it was a minor tear, and that it is not related. But I don’t rule anything out with injuries. It could be that it is not acting up now but could act up at a later date.”
The Sixers said Embiid’s latest regression came, “following training progression in recent days.” He was not scheduled to play Monday against the visiting Golden State Warriors or Wednesday in Miami. Last week, the Sixers had suggested a possible return Friday, when the New York Knicks will visit. Not now.
“Over the course of recent days, his training has developed surgery, a reaction with swelling and soreness and fuss,” Colangelo said. “We wanted to take a step back, put him on ice for a minute and make sure we do everything possible, including getting another scan done today.”
With 23 games remaining, Embiid is running out of time to play again this season.
“Out indefinitely means just that,” Colangelo said. “It’s indeterminate at this point. I think we’re all hopeful to get him out there. It would be beneficial for the fans to see him again. It would be great for us as a unit to have him out there as we continue to strive forward toward winning as the season concludes. But at the end of the day, the health and performance of our athletes is first and foremost. We don’t want to jeopardize the long-term health.”
Since being selected No. 3 overall in the 2014 draft, Embiid has played in a total of 31 games, none without a minutes restriction. He missed his first two full NBA seasons with foot injuries.
For that, the Sixers must be prepared to brace against Embiid’s chronic inability to remain available.
“I think you have to be concerned about everything when you look at players and their health and their health status,” Colangelo said. “What we’ve been told is that, based on the scans and based on the things that we know to date, everything is moving along. It’s moving along perhaps not in a great fashion, as indicated by the swelling and soreness. But the most important thing is that we take great care in making sure he only gets back on the court when he’s ready and healed.
“So when you talk about what’s he capable of and what he might be doing with this team going forward, we talk about that greatness because he has shown an ability to do things with so little basketball experience. It’s actually quite stunning that he has been able to accomplish the things he has. But as we move forward, our goal, our intention, is to have him out there healthy and ready.”