Joel Embiid Discusses Offseason Recovery Plan After Injuries
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Joel Embiid was dealt a bad hand once again in the playoffs. Last season, the Philadelphia 76ers big man tore his meniscus in the first round of the postseason.
While Embiid managed to play in seven of the Sixers' final eight matchups last year, it was clear the injury took a toll on him.
Going into the playoffs this year, Embiid was healthy after playing in a career-high of 68 games during the regular season.
The healthy streak in the playoffs lasted under three games. After Philly's Game 3 victory over the Toronto Raptors in the first round, Embiid admitted he was dealing with hand pain after the game.
A couple of days later, the big man received an MRI. It was then revealed that Embiid tore a ligament in his thumb. Surgery was suggested for Embiid, but he didn't want to go through with any medical procedures until after the playoff run.
Embiid continued to play through the thumb pain. And after the Sixers' final matchup against the Miami Heat in the second round of the playoffs, Embiid believes that surgery is still in the plans.
"Obviously, I gotta talk to these guys," said Embiid. "But the last time I checked, it was that I definitely need surgery for the thumb injury."
As if battling through a thumb injury wasn't enough, Embiid also suffered a facial injury during Game 6 of the first-round series against Toronto. After getting elbowed, Embiid was diagnosed with a mild concussion and an orbital fracture.
Those injuries kept Embiid off the floor for the first two games of the second-round series against Miami. When he returned for Game 3, Embiid was forced to wear a mask to protect his face from further damage.
"As far as my face, the last indication was that [surgery] wasn’t needed," Embiid explained. "I just gotta have conversations with them and figure out what’s actually needed and what’s not."
Needing just one surgery is a good sign for Embiid. While the injuries were certainly unfortunate, the big man likely didn't suffer anything that will affect his health going into the 2022-2023 NBA season.
Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for Sports Illustrated. You can follow him for live updates on Twitter: @JGrasso_.
More Sixers News:
Doc Rivers Isn’t Going Anywhere: After coaching the Philadelphia 76ers to another second-round exit, head coach Doc Rivers made it clear he didn’t believe his job was in jeopardy following Philly’s Game 6 defeat. In addition, Sixers President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey doubled down on Doc’s job security as he assured everybody that Rivers will coach the Sixers in 2022-2023. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE.
Danny Green Received Injury Diagnosis: Philadelphia 76ers veteran forward Danny Green went down with a knee injury during the first quarter of Philadelphia’s Game 6 matchup against the Miami Heat. After getting an MRI on Friday morning, Green was diagnosed with several concerning injuries. CLICK HERE TO READ MORE.
