Report: ‘Legitimate Chance’ Joel Embiid Could Sit Another Whole Season

After suffering a setback with his right foot injury, Joel Embiid is apparently in danger of missing yet another season. The No. 3 overall pick by Philadelphia in 2014 has yet to play an NBA game after he averaged 11.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks in one year at Kansas.

The Sixers, who have been in full rebuilding mode, are praying that Embiid’s injury woes will subside in time for him to play next season. Their long-term plan is heavily dependent on Joel’s presence down low.

Per Philly.com:

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. The first-round pick from Kansas missed what would have been his rookie season after undergoing surgery last June to repair a stress fracture in the navicular bone in his right foot.