Load management just got started as early as the preseason with the Philadelphia 76ers opting to put Joel Embiid off the games before the 2024-25 NBA season begins as they hope to give him more time to rest and condition his left knee with the hopes of getting out more games for the team this time around.

It can be remembered that Embiid sat out most of the 2023-24 season due to knee surgery and was held to just 39 games, starting out strong before going down in the middle of the game and later coming back in the final stretch of the season. Embiid would go on to play in the playoffs as well but the Sixers were ousted in the first round at the hands of the New York Knicks.

The Sixers are hoping to avoid any potential injury with Embiid, who has been plagued with various injuries over his career. It is also a great move to consider right now with Paul George being removed from the second quarter of their preseason win against the Atlanta Hawks after suffering a hyperextended left knee.

Embiid Managing Knee Condition

Embiid has been always bothered by his knee issues over the years. The Cameroonian center has never played more than 68 games in a single season in his whole career. He did not travel with the team in their two road games in the preseason as the team came up with an individual treatment plan to support Embiid’s health and wellness this season.

Last season, Embiid led the Sixers to a total of 31-8 record in his games played, which was clearly on the pace for 65 wins had he not sat out with surgery. The Sixers finished 16-27 in all of the other games played without Embiid, which was led by Tyrese Maxey at the time. Still, the Sixers would go on to reach the playoffs by the end of that season but were eliminated in six games.

Embiid has missed a total of 204 games over the last eight seasons – even sitting out his first two years with foot injuries before finally making his debut in the NBA. That says a lot about the fragile condition that Embiid is in, deeming the knee management move to be a necessary one by the Sixers.

MVP Season Loading Again?

Embiid won the 2022-23 MVP award with his impressive games and was even set to win his second last season had it not been for his injuries. However, his return to form was met with a lot of success as many fans believe that Embiid still has that elite offensive charge in his game.

Last season, Embiid averaged 34.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, 5.6 assists, and 1.2 steals per game while shooting 52.9% from the field. He would have been a prime candidate to win the MVP award last season had he totaled at least 65 games for him to be eligible for the said award.

If any, the knee management move by the Sixers for Embiid just presents a way to be smart around the injuries. While the NBA has already implemented strict repercussions for stars missing out on games, it does seem that Philadelphia will need to come up with ways to ensure that Embiid will get the chance to play big games and impact their games while also getting the needed rest for his knee.