The Philadelphia 76ers season cannot catch a break. And some fans are wondering whether it is time to give up.
The Philadelphia 76ers win on Christmas Day against the Boston Celtics was a demonstration of what this team can achieve when healthy. And that moment has provided a bit of hope Nick Nurse’s side may be able to turn it on in the playoffs.
But the way it is going, the 76ers might not even get there. Despite the Chicago Bulls appearing to give up on the season with the Zach LaVine trade, the Sixers are yet to overhaul them.
Philly have now lost three in a row, the latest a 135-127 loss to the Milwaukee Bucks, who were without Giannis Antetokounmpo.
76ers star Joel Embiid did play, and while his 27-12-6 stat line was impressive, he also looked typically erratic while doing it. And during the game an unwelcome revelation was made.
During the 76ers loss to the Bucks, reporter Lisa Salters revealed that Embiid fears he will need surgery on his knee in the off-season.
She explained: “He wishes he could play in every game,” Salters noted before adding, “But his body just isn’t allowing him to do that right now.
“He said he thinks it will likely take another surgery and a long recovery period, something he didn’t have after the initial injury last February.”
Embiid could have had a longer rest if he had not gone to the Olympics. This has fueled frustration among Sixers fans over a player with the highest annual salary in the NBA.
The news Joel Embiid could need surgery is not wholly unsurprising, and with injuries to Jared McCain, and Paul George also battling form and injury issues, the 20-32 team are struggling.
Sixers fans are ready to take the hit now, send Joel Embiid to undergo surgery right away.
One fan made the call on X: “Cancel the season and have Embiid get surgery today.”
A second was in total agreement, commenting: “If Embiid is going to need another surgery, do it now! Shut him down and let him have this time to recover and get in shape. This team is going nowhere fast this year!”
A third wrote: “Embiid gotta just get surgery now and shut down for the season man, I get he wants to help but he’s hurting the team more than helping right now and this season is over.”
Another had similar feelings: “If Embiid really needs another surgery, than there is ZERO reasons he should be playing! This season is already over.”
And fifth added: “First time I’ve ever said this, but we should let Embiid get his surgery done now. This team just isn’t competitive enough.”
“Embiid needs to get his surgery now and start the long rehab. Season is over,” another demanded.
76ers teammate Andre Drummond recently backed Embiid’s work ethic, while NBA insider Brian Windhorst has described Embiid’s knee as ‘broken’, in terms of the swelling that takes too long to recover between games.
Embiid has only played 15 games this season, with the star also briefly suspended, and even if the 76ers can make the playoffs, its pretty clear his body would be unlikely to hold up. Shutting him down might be the best solution.
