Doubts Rise Over Joel Embiid’s Future as MVP After Recent Struggles, Sparking Debate About His Ability to Regain Elite NBA Form

Philadelphia, PA – Once heralded as the cornerstone of the Philadelphia 76ers and a perennial MVP candidate, Joel Embiid now finds himself at a crossroads. His body, particularly his oft-injured knees, appears to be betraying him at every turn. Fans and analysts alike are left wondering: can Embiid return to his star level, or is it time for both player and organization to part ways?

With a staggering contract extension through the 2028-29 season and a legacy of dominance marred by persistent injuries, Embiid’s situation is a complex puzzle of physical limitations, organizational missteps, and tough decisions. This feature examines the state of Embiid’s career, the challenges facing the 76ers, and the difficult path ahead.

A Star Dimmed: Embiid’s Current Struggles

The numbers tell a grim story. This season, Embiid has played in just 9 of the 76ers’ 23 games, missing nine straight at one point and appearing in only three of the last five. Last season wasn’t much better, with Embiid limited to 19 games. When he does play, there’s a visible struggle—zero impact in some games, a far cry from the dominant force who once terrorized opponents in the paint.

Analysts and former players have been blunt in their assessments. “His body, his knees, they just can’t hold up,” one observer noted. “With the pace that backcourt is playing at right now, it’s gonna be tough. He just doesn’t fit what they’re on right now due to not being able to move laterally.”

The effort is there—Embiid’s face shows the strain of trying to push through—but the results aren’t. “It’s sad, man,” another commentator said. “You can see he’s trying, but it’s just an unfortunate situation for him.”

A History of Injury: The Knee That Won’t Heal

Embiid’s knee issues are not new. They’ve haunted him for years, limiting his availability and casting a shadow over his prime. Last year, critics argued he should have sat out the Olympics to prioritize recovery. “He should have taken care of his body, and he didn’t,” one analyst recalled. Even representing his country—whether Cameroon, France, or the USA—couldn’t justify the risk. “Playing for USA in a gold medal game, I get it, but his knee has been done,” another added.

The consensus is clear: Embiid’s knee is beyond repair in its current state. “The knee is done. It’s been done,” a former player with major knee issues himself stated. “There’s nothing he can do. It takes you from 45 to 41, you’re still good. From 32 to 26, he’s done.”

Comparisons to a Ferrari with mismatched, broken wheels paint a vivid picture. Embiid’s body isn’t built for the demands of his game anymore. “The knee you have right now ain’t made for your body,” one critic said. “It’s over.”

Organizational Missteps: A Failure to Protect the Investment?

Much of the blame for Embiid’s predicament falls on the 76ers’ organization. Decisions to let him play through pain, including during the Olympics, have raised questions about their commitment to protecting their star. “Are you protecting your investment? No, because you let him play in the Olympics,” one analyst argued. “Things have transpired where it questions the organization on how you handle him.”

Embiid’s contract—a three-year, $193 million extension signed in 2024, effective next season—complicates matters. Critics point out he was nowhere near healthy when he signed it, referencing his playoff performance against New York as a fleeting high before further decline. “They’re not making great decisions,” another observer noted, citing missed draft opportunities like a young talent dubbed the “Black Jokic” who could have been a long-term replacement.

The organization’s medical staff and facilities have also come under fire. “Philly is so behind, bro,” a former player remarked. “They got a 24-hour fitness doctor. Cortisone and ice—that’s all they do over there.” Embiid’s knee braces resemble casts, and post-game rituals likely involve draining fluid and cortisone shots—a far cry from modern recovery methods.

Team Dynamics: A Mismatch in Style and Chemistry

The 76ers have evolved into a fast-paced team, driven by a dynamic backcourt featuring Tyrese Maxey and newer additions like Jared McCain and VJ Edgecombe. Embiid’s presence forces a slowdown, a return to half-court basketball that stifles the team’s rhythm. “To slow down to accommodate him is a detriment to the team,” one analyst said. “You can’t build no type of chemistry with the team like this.”

Every time Embiid steps on the court, the offense shifts to feature him, disrupting the development of younger players. “You’re changing your offense every time he gets on the court,” another noted. “It’s made for him when he’s there, and for Maxey when he’s not.” This inconsistency hampers the team’s ability to establish a cohesive identity.

Veteran role players like Kyle Lowry, Eric Gordon, PJ Tucker, and Kelly Oubre Jr. remain on the roster, but their contributions can’t offset the larger issue of Embiid’s fit. “They just chilling,” one critic quipped, highlighting a lack of direction.

The Physical Toll: A Game Not Built for His Body

Embiid’s style of play exacerbates his issues. While not reliant on explosive jumping or constant running, his game involves physicality in the post—jabs, pivots, and constant contact—that still taxes his knees. “The way he plays the game ain’t taxing on his knee compared to everyone else,” one observer explained. “But that weight, though. He’s always on the ground.”

Falling has become a coping mechanism. “They told him to just fall down,” another said. “Ease the landing because he can’t land the way he wants to.” This strategy, likely advised by the organization, reflects outdated thinking and a desperate attempt to keep him on the court.

Embiid’s weight—once listed at 280-285 pounds, potentially higher—adds to the strain. Suggestions range from drastic weight loss to resemble a “stretch three” like Kevin Durant or Victor Wembanyama, to using controversial methods to shed pounds. “You better come back as a three. You don’t need that weight on them bones,” one critic urged.

The Contract Conundrum: $193 Million and No Clear Path

Embiid’s extension, locking him in through 2028-29, is a double-edged sword. On one hand, it’s “free money” for a player whose body may not hold up. On the other, it’s a financial albatross for the 76ers if he can’t play. “Three years, $193 million left on this deal,” one analyst marveled. “Welcome to the team. You ain’t gonna be sad. You don’t have to drain that knee after games.”

Trading Embiid seems unlikely given his injury history and contract size, though some speculate a desperate team like the Pelicans (pairing him with Zion Williamson) might take a chance. “Somebody gonna trade for $193 million,” one observer predicted. “Him and Zion together—welcome!”

For Philly fans, known for their cutthroat passion, accepting a diminished Embiid is tough. “They boo the [expletive] out of everybody,” a former player noted. “It ain’t brotherly love out there.” But with no viable trade options, the organization may have no choice but to keep him, even as a shell of his former self.

The Human Element: Pain, Pride, and Playing Through It

Embiid’s desire to play is evident. He’s previously expressed frustration with minutes restrictions, wanting to maximize his time on the court. “He’s not really feeling the minutes restriction, wants to try to play as much as possible,” one source confirmed. But at what cost? “You want quality of life after basketball,” another countered.

Comparisons to other players who played through pain—Amar’e Stoudemire with the Knicks, for instance—highlight the dilemma. Stoudemire looked good in limited minutes but couldn’t sustain it. Embiid, averaging 18 points in 25 minutes across his nine games this season, shows flashes of his old self. “When he’s out there, he’s still a resemblance of himself,” one analyst said. “He still demands attention.”

But the physical toll is undeniable. Post-game swelling, draining, and cortisone injections are likely routine. “After every game, that [expletive] still swells up. You got to drain it,” a former player speculated. “He got no ligaments now. Ligaments weak.”

What’s Next: Shut It Down or Soldier On?

The consensus among analysts is clear: it’s time to shut Embiid down. “If there was a football player, he would have been shut down,” one argued. “Hey, I can’t do it. This [expletive] hurts.” X-rays and MRIs likely show significant damage—“holes, look like they eating themselves,” another quipped.

Sitting Embiid allows younger players to develop without the constant adjustment of accommodating him. “Hey, big fella, sit down. You’re done,” one suggested. “Young fellas, y’all got to get going. We need y’all for next year.” This approach prioritizes long-term growth over short-term wins.

Alternatively, Embiid could transition to a veteran mentor role—sitting on the sideline in a suit, offering guidance. “Just be a good vet. Come on, good fella. Sit on the side. Put your suit on,” one analyst urged. “Help the coach out. Be an assistant.”

Legacy and Lessons: A Cautionary Tale

Embiid’s career is a cautionary tale about the fragility of greatness. A player with his talent—once compared to Hakeem Olajuwon for his footwork and dominance—shouldn’t be reduced to a shell of himself in his prime. Yet, injuries have dictated otherwise.

For the 76ers, Embiid’s situation underscores the importance of proactive injury management, modern medical practices, and strategic roster building. Past mistakes, like letting Jimmy Butler go, compound the current crisis. “Ever since that Jimmy Buckets, they should have kept him,” one critic lamented. “There’s stupid organizations out there.”

For young players, Embiid’s story is a reminder to prioritize health over heroics. Playing through pain may earn short-term praise, but the long-term cost can be devastating.

Conclusion: Hope, Ice, and a Double Shift

As the 76ers navigate this season, hope for Embiid’s recovery works a double shift—paired with ice packs and cortisone. “Hope is working a double shift with that knee,” one analyst quipped. But hope alone won’t heal what’s broken.

Joel Embiid’s journey is one of immense talent, heartbreaking setbacks, and tough choices. Whether he can return to star level remains uncertain, but the consensus leans toward closure. For the 76ers, moving on—whether through trade, shutdown, or a redefined role—may be the kindest, smartest path for both player and team.

In Philadelphia, the city of brotherly love, the love for Embiid is real, but the reality of his knee is harsher. It’s time for tough love, for honest conversations, and for a future that prioritizes health over heroics. Only then can the 76ers—and Embiid—find a way forward.