The Philadelphia 76ers have announced Wednesday that center Joel Embiid will undergo surgery on the meniscus in his left knee in the upcoming days. More details, including a more accurate timetable on Emiid's return, will be announced after the surgery has been completed, the Sixers organization said.

According to ESPN.com league sources say that Embiid and the Sixers have been exploring different types of treatment options after the big man suffered a partially torn meniscus and bone bruise in his left knee on January 20 in a game against the Portland Trail Blazers. Embiid last played in a game on January 27.

The 23-year-old phenom appeared in only 31 games this season because of issues with his knee, along with Philadelphia's cautious approach towards his workload as a response to the two surgeries on Embiid's right foot that cost what would have been his first two pro seasons. The Sixers organization initially hoped that undergoing surgery would not be a necessary option on the knee, but a recent medical scan revealed that there is a more pronounced tear, according to one source close to the situation.

According to Top Breaking News, before he was injured and sidelined for good this season, Joel Embiid was widely considered as the undisputed NBA Rookie of the Year favorite until his latest health setback. He was currently averaging 20.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.5 blocks in just over 25 minutes of action per game this season.

Philadelphia, currently 26-44 and has succumbed to another losing season, was 13-18 this season in games in which Embiid was present on the floor, despite the fact that Ben Simmons, who was selected Number 1 overall in the 2016 NBA Draft, will also be missing his entire rookie season with a fractured right foot.

Many believe that once all key players are healthy and going next season, the Philadelphia 76ers are going to make some noise and are projected to make their first playoff appearance in four years. Philadelphia's last playoff appearance was in 2011.

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