NJ’S CAMDEN: For the first time since sustaining a knee injury a month ago, Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid talked to the media on Thursday afternoon. He expressed optimism that he will be ready to play again before the regular season ends.
Following practice on Thursday, Embiid stated, “That’s the plan,” in advance of Philadelphia’s Friday night home game against the Charlotte Hornets.
“Obviously, for me to get well and be as close to my partner as I should be, everything must go according to plan. That is the plan, though.
When Philadelphia lost to the Golden State Warriors 119-107 in San Francisco on January 30, Embiid, 29, was in the midst of an incredible season when Golden State Warriors forward Jonathan Kuminga unintentionally landed on his left leg during a scrum for a loose ball. Throughout the season, he has been averaging 35.3 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game.
On February 6, the team declared that Embiid had had surgery “to address an injury to the lateral meniscus in his left knee” and that he would be checked again on Tuesday of the following week.
Despite not having a set timetable for his comeback, Embiid stated that he is still feeling positive about his rehabilitation.
Embiid stated that, after consulting with five physicians, he finally decided to have the surgery done. If his health permits, he still intends to compete for Team USA in the summer Olympics in Paris.
“I think when you look at what unfolded and what we saw, there was only one decision, and it was to go the route that I did,” said Embiid.
