Training camp is less than two months away and Joel Embiid is anticipating he will be ready to go. He still has some steps to take before he's back in game mode.
The Sixers' big man gave an update on his health on Wednesday from Africa, where he is attending, but not playing in the NBA Africa Game 2017.
Embiid said he has not been cleared to play 5-on-5, but he is doing non-contact drills and plans to be ready for training camp, according to Marc Spears of The Undefeated. Embiid underwent season-ending surgery in late March to repair a meniscus tear in his left knee. A team source confirmed he is on schedule with his rehab.
The 7-footer has been eager to get back on the court since the day he was sidelined. At the Draft Lottery in May, he said he was planning to play all 82 games this coming season. That night he also said he was eyeing playing 5-on-5 during this summer (see story). The Sixers do not have official organized basketball activity until training camp, likely to begin in late September.
The team will continue to monitor Embiid closely. It remains to be seen if he will be under a minutes restriction or if he will be cleared to play in back-to-back games. While he would like to play a complete season, a jump from 31 to 82 is drastic and unlikely.