The Philadelphia 76ers’ plans to rebuild from laughingstock to contender have hinged on Joel Embiid ever since they made the controversial decision to draft the über-talented big man last summer. One year later and without having suited up for his team, though, Embiid’s playing prospects have never been more tenuous – putting the Sixers’ future in even greater doubt.
The 21-year-old recently suffered “a setback” in his recovery from last June’s foot surgery when doctors recently discovered that it wasn’t healing as well as anticipated. According to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, it’s news that could keep Embiid sidelined for not only the beginning of next season, but the entirety of 2015-2016, too.
76ers center Joel Embiid may not be available to play at the start of the NBA season after the latest setback in the healing of his right foot, an NBA source said Sunday. There’s also a legitimate chance that the 7-footer could miss the entire season.
Upon reports of Embiid’s latest hurdle, Philly issued a statement reading that “discussions regarding the next steps” for his treatment are ongoing. Shortly after the team’s release, Jeff Skversky of a local ABC affiliate tweeted the following:
https://twitter.com/JeffSkversky/status/610181246552047617
It bears pointing out that Pompey’s report contains no information on potential surgery whatsoever. If the source in question is basing his opinion that there’s a “legitimate chance” Embiid sits out all of next season on the mere possibility of another procedure, that’s hardly revelatory. The Sixers are notorious for taking extra caution when it comes to rehabilitation, and helping to ensure their prized player’s full health by keeping him off the floor for another calendar year would be a prudent decision.
Still, it’s certainly not heartening that the possibility is being raised at all. Like basketball fans across the country, we were very much looking forward to Embiid’s first professional action next month at Las Vegas Summer League. He has the size, athleticism, and skills to be an impact player from day one for the Sixers, not to mention the potential to emerge as a franchise cornerstone.
Will Embiid ever get to the opportunity to realize it? As time goes by, the chances seem increasingly slim. We’ll keep you updated on his status as news becomes available.
[Via Philadelphia Inquirer, via Jeff Skversky]
