The way things are going, Sixers fans will finally get a look at 2014 No. 3 pick Joel Embiid in just over six weeks. In a podcast with ESPN.com’s Zach Lowe, Philadelphia head coach Brett Brown said he’s been watching Embiid work out and the team expects him to be ready to go when preseason tips off in early October (transcription via Derek Bodner of Philly Mag):
Embiid has missed all of his first two NBA seasons with recurring foot injuries. Leading up to the 2014 draft, he was clearly the No. 1 prospect and would have been the top pick by the Cavaliers if he had been healthy. Then-Sixers GM Sam Hinkie took him because of his talent and the fact that he couldn’t play in the short term didn’t interfere with the #Process. It’s a good sign that Embiid is healthy enough now that the team is talking about him playing in preseason.
“I just left my third consecutive day working out with Joel 45 minutes ago,” Brown told Lowe. “Physically, mentally, recent medical scans, everything is pointing in the right direction. We’re just very excited.”
Lowe then specifically asked whether he was on track to play in the preseason. “Yes he is,” Brown said without hesitation.
Embiid has missed all of his first two NBA seasons with recurring foot injuries. Leading up to the 2014 draft, he was clearly the No. 1 prospect and would have been the top pick by the Cavaliers if he had been healthy. Then-Sixers GM Sam Hinkie took him because of his talent and the fact that he couldn’t play in the short term didn’t interfere with the #Process. It’s a good sign that Embiid is healthy enough now that the team is talking about him playing in preseason.
