Joel Embiid’s Injury History Roundup: A Journey of Setbacks and Resilience
Joel Embiid’s career has been a rollercoaster ride of promise, pain, and perseverance. Since being selected by the Philadelphia 76ers as the third overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, Embiid has endured a series of significant injuries that have threatened to derail his career. However, despite these setbacks, the 7-foot center has continually defied the odds and developed into one of the most dominant players in the NBA. Here’s a comprehensive look at the key moments from Embiid’s injury history.
1. Foot Injuries and Missed Seasons (2014-2016)
Embiid’s injury woes began even before he set foot on an NBA court. After being drafted by the 76ers in 2014, Embiid was sidelined for the entire 2014-15 season due to a stress fracture in his right foot. The injury required surgery, and it was initially feared that it might derail his promising future in the NBA.
The following year, Embiid’s recovery was slow, and he was forced to miss the 2015-16 season as well due to recurring foot issues. This period marked one of the most frustrating stretches of his career, as his potential was undeniable, but his body was not cooperating. The extended absence from the court created doubts about his future, but Embiid remained determined to make a comeback.
2. Knee Injuries and Meniscus Tear (2017-2020)
Once Embiid finally made his debut in the 2016-17 season, his impact was immediate. He finished his rookie year averaging 20.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks per game, quickly establishing himself as one of the brightest young stars in the NBA. However, knee injuries soon became a recurring issue.
In 2018, Embiid suffered a left knee injury, including a torn meniscus, which led to him missing part of the regular season. While the injury was not as severe as initially feared, it required surgery, and Embiid was forced to miss a stretch of games. This marked the beginning of a series of knee problems that would continue to affect his career.
In 2020, Embiid once again injured his knee, this time suffering a sprain that sidelined him for several games. Despite these setbacks, Embiid’s talent on the court remained undeniable, but the persistent knee issues raised concerns about his long-term health and ability to stay on the court for a full season.
3. Torn Meniscus (2025)
The most recent chapter of Embiid’s injury history occurred in early 2025, when he suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee. The injury took place during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks and forced Embiid to exit the game in pain. Initial MRI results confirmed the meniscus tear, leading to concerns about how this injury could impact his ability to perform at a high level.
A torn meniscus, while treatable, is a significant issue for a player of Embiid’s size and style. The decision on whether he will need surgery or whether he can return to play without it will be crucial to both his career and the 76ers’ hopes for a championship. Depending on the severity of the injury, Embiid could face a lengthy recovery, which would be a major blow to Philadelphia’s title aspirations.
4. The Resilience to Overcome
Despite his injury history, Joel Embiid’s determination to overcome obstacles has been a key factor in his success. His ability to bounce back from injuries has allowed him to remain one of the NBA’s premier players. Over the years, Embiid has evolved into one of the most dominant centers in the league, earning All-NBA selections and consistently ranking among the league’s top scorers and rebounders.
In the 2023-24 season, Embiid had one of his best performances, finishing as a finalist for the NBA MVP award while leading the 76ers to the top of the Eastern Conference. His ability to stay healthy for most of the season and play at an elite level solidified his place as one of the most valuable players in the NBA.
5. Looking Ahead: The Road to Health and a Championship
As Embiid enters his prime, his injury history remains a constant concern. The combination of his size, playing style, and past injuries means that health will always be the most critical factor in determining how long his career will last and whether he can lead the 76ers to an NBA title.
The 76ers are fully aware of the importance of managing Embiid’s health, especially as they look to maximize his window of contention for a championship. With the right medical care, load management, and rehabilitation, Embiid could continue to perform at an MVP level, but the reality of his injury history will always be in the background.
For Embiid, the ultimate goal remains clear: win an NBA championship. But whether he can stay healthy long enough to achieve that goal is the question that looms large over his career.
