Start the setback clock now:

Today, Sixers center Joel Embiid underwent successful minor arthroscopic surgery to address a meniscus tear in his left knee. The surgery was performed by renowned surgeon Dr. Neal S. ElAttrache at the Kerlan-Jobe Orthopedic Clinic in Los Angeles, in conjunction with Sixers Chief Medical Officer Dr. Jonathan Glashow and Sixers Head Physician Dr. Christopher Dodson.

Dr. ElAttrache said the surgery “focused on removing a small portion of the meniscus that was responsible for his symptoms,” while David Martin said:

“Joel will complete his initial rehabilitation in Los Angeles, with specialists and our medical and training staff committed to a conservative and measured rehabilitation and recovery plan.

Based on the program that has been outlined, we will continually evaluate Joel’s progress against predetermined benchmarks and anticipate he will resume basketball activities this summer.

It’s gonna be a long road.