Meniscus Replacement Surgery: Can 30-Year-Old Joel Embiid Return to His Peak?

The Philadelphia 76ers might be facing their worst nightmare. Star center and former MVP Joel Embiid’s knee injury is turning into a season-defining disaster, with growing concerns that his return this year is unlikely. A recent report from Marcus Hayes of The Philadelphia Inquirer sheds light on the severity of the situation, raising alarming questions about Embiid’s long-term future.

A Troubling Diagnosis and a Radical Procedure

According to Hayes, the 76ers' original plan was to manage Embiid’s knee issue conservatively, employing treatments similar to what Dwyane Wade once used during his career—regular fluid drainage and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections. Philadelphia’s medical staff believed this approach would allow Embiid to play through the pain while still facilitating recovery. However, it hasn’t worked. If anything, things have only gotten worse.

Now, whispers of a potential season-ending surgery are gaining traction, though head coach Nick Nurse has publicly denied those claims. The most shocking revelation? Hayes suggests that Embiid might need a meniscus replacement surgery—a procedure virtually unheard of in NBA history. Other possibilities include low-dose radiation therapy or even an osteotomy, a procedure that involves breaking and realigning bones to reduce joint pressure.

Each of these surgeries presents massive risks. Meniscus removal or repair is common in basketball, but a full meniscus replacement? That’s almost unprecedented. Given Embiid’s size, history of lower-body injuries, and the physical demands of his position, the idea of him undergoing such a complex procedure raises serious concerns about his ability to regain peak form.

The Steep Decline of Embiid's Performance

Even when he has played this season, Embiid hasn’t looked like his dominant self. Through 19 games, he is averaging 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 4.5 assists, shooting 44.4% from the field, 29.9% from three, and 88.2% from the free-throw line. His true shooting percentage of 58.0% is significantly lower than his previous MVP-level seasons.

To put this into perspective, here’s how Embiid has performed in recent years:

• 2022-23 MVP Season: 33.1 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 4.2 APG, 1.7 BPG, 65.5% TS
• 2023-24 (Injury-Shortened): 34.7 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 5.6 APG, 1.7 BPG, 64.4% TS
• 2024-25 (Current Season): 23.8 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 4.5 APG, 58.0% TS

Last season, Embiid still looked like a top-5 player when healthy, delivering historic performances—including a 70-point explosion that showcased his dominance. But this year, he has struggled with both consistency and efficiency. His scoring has dropped by over 10 points per game, and he no longer imposes his will on opponents the same way.

The Impact on the 76ers

Philadelphia’s struggles without Embiid are impossible to ignore. In the 38 games he has missed, the Sixers have posted a 12-26 record—a miserable 31.6% win rate. Their most recent game against the Chicago Bulls was a complete disaster: a 142-110 loss at home, where they trailed by as many as 50 points.

What makes this collapse even more concerning is that Tyrese Maxey and Paul George were both active for that game.

Maxey’s Rise, But Not Enough

To his credit, Maxey has emerged as a legitimate star this season, averaging 27.1 PPG—fifth in the NBA. At 24 years old, he still has room to improve, and his ability to create his own shot is a huge asset for the team. However, despite his growth, he is not yet capable of carrying a contender on his own.

Paul George’s Unexpected Decline

The real issue is Paul George. The 34-year-old was given a four-year, $212 million max contract last summer, with the expectation that he would form a lethal duo with Embiid. But now, that contract is looking like a massive gamble.

George’s numbers have fallen off a cliff:

• 2023-24 with the Clippers: 23.0 PPG, 6.1 RPG, 5.1 APG, 47.1% FG, 60.2% TS
• 2024-25 with the 76ers: 16.2 PPG, 5.2 RPG, 4.2 APG, 43.2% FG, 54.4% TS

His scoring is down nearly seven points per game, his efficiency has dipped, and he has struggled with injuries himself. If this is what George looks like in year one of his contract, how bad will it get by year three or four?

Should the 76ers Shut It Down?

At this point, Philadelphia has a decision to make: fight for a playoff spot or prioritize long-term health.

With Embiid looking nowhere close to full strength and George declining, it might be in the Sixers’ best interest to pull the plug on this season. Let Embiid rest, ensure he gets the best possible treatment, and hope he can return at an elite level next year.

The bigger fear? What if Embiid never fully recovers? What if he undergoes surgery, takes a year to rehab, and comes back at 32 years old with diminished athleticism? And what if George continues to decline?

That scenario could leave the 76ers trapped in mediocrity—stuck with an aging, injury-prone star and a massive contract for a declining Paul George.

A Legacy in Jeopardy

Joel Embiid’s talent is undeniable. When healthy, he is one of the most dominant big men in NBA history, capable of scoring from anywhere on the floor while being a defensive anchor. But health has always been his Achilles’ heel. From the moment he entered the league, injuries have followed him.

Now, at 30 years old, he faces the biggest challenge of his career. If he can recover, he might still have a few elite years left. But if this injury is as serious as it seems, his time as an MVP-caliber player may already be over.

For Embiid and the 76ers, the next few months will be franchise-defining. If he undergoes surgery and struggles to regain form, Philadelphia’s championship window could slam shut before it ever truly opened.