Foot injuries in the NBA seemingly transfer from one player to the next as of late. The most recent recipient of the unwelcomed honor, Philadelphia 76ers big man Joel Embiid, was almost rid of the ailment and passed it on to Kevin Durant. The former MVP missed a majority of last season while Embiid missed the entirety of what was supposed to be his rookie season.
Now it appears that Embiid’s start to his NBA career has suffered another setback. One that might see the skilled center out of Kansas missing another season of NBA action.
Following from Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
76ers center Joel Embiid will likely miss the 2015-16 season.
The 7-footer will have a second surgery after the latest setback in the healing of his right foot, according to several NBA sources. The team will decide whether to have it in North Carolina or at the New York Hospital of Special Surgery
“I would say there’s a great possibility that Embiid won’t play next year,” the source said. “Just think how long they sat him when they thought he was healthy.”
The Sixers are planning as if Embiid won’t play this season, sources say. Another source said the franchise is concerned that this setback could be career-threatening.
The 76ers are setup well with their organization depth concerning their big men. Along with Embiid, they also have Dario Saric who is an overseas project ready to come play for Philly, a rookie of the year candidate from last season in Nerlens Noel and newly drafted Jahlil Okafor.
The thing is, these Embiid setbacks are not a part of Sixers GM Sam Hinkie’s plan. Embiid was supposed to come back this season, much like Nerlens Noel came back after missing one season of action when Philly drafted him. As an organization, the Sixers will be fine and they’ve previously said Jahlil Okafor wasn’t drafted due to the Embiid health concerns but right now, it’s working out in their favor.
