PHILADELPHIA — The Philadelphia 76ers are dealing with a major injury: Joel Embiid will be out for at least a month after undergoing surgery to repair a meniscus injury in his left knee.
The Sixers will reevaluate him in four weeks.
The Dallas Mavericks know a thing or two about injuries. Star guard Kyrie Irving has dealt with a variety of ailments, so coach Jason Kidd has an idea of what needs to be done when it comes to missing key pieces out on the floor.
Before the Mavericks knocked off the Sixers, 118-102 on Monday, Kidd gave his thoughts on Embiid’s injury.
“I think for Embiid it’s tough and you never wanna see an athlete have a surgery in midseason,” Kidd said. “Especially, with his abilities both offensively and defensively and what he means to the 76ers. Understanding he’s the MVP, he’s one of the best players in the world, so right now that’s probably a tough hole to fill.”
It is certainly is. The Sixers are 4-11 without Embiid and have had trouble rebounding, getting key stops and making buckets they normally get when he’s on the floor.
However, his injury creates opportunities.
“That gives those guys opportunity that don’t get those minutes,” Kidd added. “Just being in our seat, we’ve seen a lot of injuries so that gives other guys an opportunity to play so they have to step up. That can be dangerous at times because they have talented guys over there. Everybody’s a pro and they wanna show the coach and their teammates that they can play at a high level.”
The reigning league MVP was having a phenomenal season. He’s averaging 35.3 points per game and scored a career-high 70 points against the San Antonio Spurs on Jan. 22. The Sixers will miss everything he brings to the floor.
“Embiid is one of the best players in the world,” Kidd finished. “Just hope for a speedy recovery.”
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