Trust The Process(‘ knee).
Joel Embiid was limited to only 31 games as a third-year rookie due to an injured left knee that eventually required arthroscopic surgery. It was a sobering end to what was a promising debut following two years of questions and skepticism. Some of that doubt has creeped back into the fold, particularly with Embiid extension-eligible and slated for restricted free agency next year.
Should the Sixers pay him now? Wait until later? Is there anything he can reasonably do next season to leave the Sixers confident beyond a shadow of a doubt that his apparent career arc can be trusted?
The first part of them finding out is getting Embiid back on the floor in time for next season. And, at least on this front, things appear to be right on schedule, according to The Undefeated’s Marc J. Spears:
Sixers C Joel Embiid says he expects to be ready for training camp & is doing non-contact drills , but he hasn't been cleared to play 5-on-5
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) August 2, 2017
See? Good news!
This is a legitimately big deal, not just for Embiid’s immediate future, but the Sixers’ hopes of making some noise in the Eastern Conference. They outscored opponents by 3.2 points per 100 possessions in the 786 minutes he was on the floor, according to NBA.com—the equivalent of a top-seven net rating.
Add a healthy Ben Simmons, Markelle Fultz and the arrival of J.J. Redick to a healthy Embiid, and the Sixers can really do some things.
Unfortunately for them, though, good health isn’t a given at the moment.
