Joel Embiid declares confidence in knee health following 76ers playoff exit

Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has expressed total confidence in his long-term knee health after his side suffered a season-ending playoff defeat to the New York Knicks.

The standout centre saw his campaign derailed by a litany of injuries, limiting him to just 38 regular-season appearances.

Philadelphia’s season concluded abruptly with a heavy 144-114 defeat in Game 4 on their home court.

Despite the disappointing exit, the former NBA Most Valuable Player struck an optimistic tone regarding his physical future.

“I’m as confident as I’ve ever been,” Embiid said.

Focus on future availability

The seven-foot talisman admitted his knee had been his primary concern throughout the year.

However, he stressed that careful management moving forward will alleviate those worries entirely.

“I’m looking at next year, obviously being more available. I know that if I’m available and I play as much as possible, everything else is going to follow.”

Health has been a persistent obstacle for the imposing big man, who missed his first two professional seasons entirely.

Battling through playoff adversity

He has averaged just 49 games per year across his decade-long career.

This postseason proved no different, with the Cameroonian international requiring an emergency appendectomy just a month ago.

He also missed Game 2 of the series against New York due to right hip and ankle issues.

Philadelphia head coach Nick Nurse praised his franchise cornerstone’s resilience through the physical pain.

“He worked his ass off to get out there and play. I think it was really difficult for him,” Nurse noted.

Lingering surgery effects

Embiid had previously enjoyed a stellar first-round stretch against the Boston Celtics, helping his team achieve a historic comeback from a 3-1 deficit.

However, a collision with teammate Tyrese Maxey late in Game 7 of that series left him labouring against the Knicks.

The dominant pivot explained that his recent core surgery created a domino effect on his body during the tight playoff schedule.

“Because coming back early and the core is kind of weak, it’s not an excuse, but everything else is affected,” he explained.

Despite the setbacks, he finished the postseason with impressive averages of 24 points, 7.3 rebounds, and 5.4 assists across seven games.