The Philadelphia 76ers and Joel Embiid took a thorough approach before agreeing to a three-year, $192 million extension in September, seeking out roughly six medical opinions, according to sources close to ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne.
After reviewing the situation, all consulted experts concluded that Embiid’s knee issues could be managed effectively with a combination of rest and medical procedures aimed at promoting healing and minimizing further damage.
At the time of the extension, both the big man and the 76ers were optimistic that his knee would be healthy enough for him to begin the season. While they had anticipated that it would take Embiid some extra time to regain full fitness after his involvement in the Olympics, it soon became evident that his knee was not progressing as hoped.
Since his return to the court, the center has not been able to play with the same intensity and force he was known for last season. Over the first four games of the season, he is averaging just 19.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists in 31.4 minutes per game, a stark drop from his previous performances.
Last season, Embiid was averaging more than one point per minute. His Player Efficiency Rating (PER) has taken a significant hit, falling from a remarkable 33.4 last season to just 16.4 this year, signaling a notable decline in his impact on the game.
As the season progresses, questions remain about how effectively Embiid will be able to manage his knee and return to peak form, with the 76ers closely monitoring his health.
Sixers Sought Extra Medical Opinions On Joel Embiid Before Three-Year, $192M Extension https://t.co/Snj7luxYzC
— RealGM (@RealGM) November 27, 2024
