Amen Thompson Oct 10, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Detailed view of a NBA Wilson basketball on the court of Ball Arena during the game between the Phoenix Suns against the Denver Nuggets. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

The NBA playoffs are right around the corner as the regular season winds down. Many people jokingly say that NBA stands for “Nothing Before April” because the playoffs are where stars shine the brightest and cement their legacies.

Unfortunately, one of the most recognizable faces in the sport and a former MVP winner won’t be on the hardwood this spring on account of lingering knee issues and is undergoing surgery next week, according to one prominent league insider.

“Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid will undergo arthroscopic surgery on his left knee next week, a team official tells ESPN. Embiid was ruled out for season in late February as he and the 76ers met with doctors to determine the best treatment to alleviate his knee issues,” reported ESPN’s Shams Charania.

Fans reacted to the news on social media.

“The league needs Joel Embiid to be 100%, every hoop purist knows he’s one of the greatest players the NBA has ever seen,” one fan wrote on Twitter.

“lol its a wrap , he need to retire at this point,” another fan added, insinuating that Embiid will never be the same.

“It’s sad but that this point he should retire. Injuries have ruined his career for the past few season and it’s sad to see,” another person wrote.

It’ll be interesting to see if Embiid ever returns to his MVP form.

About Qwame Skinner

Qwame Skinner has loved both writing and sports his entire life. At Next Impulse, Qwame covers sports with the same enthusiasm he brings to his recreational basketball and softball leagues.