The Philadelphis 76ers selected Joel Embiid with the No. 3 pick in last year's NBA Draft even though they knew he would not be able to play due to a stress fracture in his right foot. The plan with Embiid was similar to the one they had with Nerlens Noel the year before. Embiid would undergo rehab, then train with the team and learn about the game from watching on the bench.
However according to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer, Embiid suffered a setback and may have to sit for another season.
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.
Another source, an Eastern Conference executive, said Sunday that the 76ers' rebuilding plan is doomed if Embiid is unable to remain healthy or play at a high level.
"He was their guy," said the executive, who spoke on condition of anonymity. "They were hoping he was a franchise player. If he's not a franchise player, their whole plan is gone. . . . If Embiid can't play or if he can't reach a superstar level, their plan is really in trouble."
The team announced Saturday night that Embiid has had a setback in his recuperation.
If Embiid has to miss another whole season that would be a significant blow to Philadelphia's rebuilding process. The Sixers were hoping to team Noel, Embiid up with their No. 3 pick this season, this is expected to be the core of the team. But without Embiid, that would mean another "lost" season. Their two big men won't be able to build an on-court relationship together and their development will be stunted.
The future of the Sixers was interesting to consider before the Draft and now with Embiid's setback, it is even more fascinating to think about.
