By Eurohoops team / info@eurohoops.net
Philadelphia 76ers‘ center Joel Embiid, the reigning NBA MVP, has been diagnosed with a displaced flap of the meniscus in his left knee and is considering surgery, according to a report by the Athletic.
A displaced flap is considered a type of meniscus tear, per the report. In collaboration with his medical team and the 76ers organization, Embiid is actively involved in discussions to determine the best course of action.
The options being considered include a period of rest and rehabilitation or opting for a surgical procedure that would require an extended absence from the court.
Embiid sustained the knee injury in the fourth quarter against the Golden State Warriors when Jonathan Kuminga fell on his left knee. As a result, he sat out his 13th game of the season against the Utah Jazz. In 34 games this season, Embiid leads the league in scoring with 35.3 points per game, along with 11.3 rebounds, 5.7 assists, and 1.8 blocks.
However, his chances of repeating as MVP are likely diminished due to missing 13 games. A new league rule stipulates that a player must participate in at least 65 of the team’s 82 regular-season games to be eligible for postseason awards. Last season, Embiid played the fewest games in a non-shortened season (66) of any MVP winner since Bill Walton.