The Sixer Sense
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Joel Embiid expects to be ready for training camp

By Christopher Kline

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 7: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers stretches prior to the game against the Atlanta Hawks on January 7, 2016 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 7: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers stretches prior to the game against the Atlanta Hawks on January 7, 2016 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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After tearing his meniscus midway through last season, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid seems to be progressing well in his rehab.

After a torn meniscus was revealed during February last season, Joel Embiid ended up sitting out the remainder of the campaign. The Philadelphia 76ers have always stressed a cautious approach with Embiid — especially with his injury histroy — and that’s precisely what they’ve done with his most recent rehab.

Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers /

Philadelphia 76ers

Embiid does, however, plan to be back in action soon. He told ESPN’s Marc J. Spears that he plans to be ready to go by training camp. The 23-year-old also stressed that he can do everything “[except] play five-on-five and one-on-one,” which speaks to how close he is to the basketball equivalent of full-contact practices in the NFL.

While it’s important to exercise caution at all costs when it comes to managing Embiid’s time on the floor, it’s important that Philadelphia doesn’t overextend that caution either. Keeping Embiid out needlessly not only hurts his preparation for this upcoming season, but could also limit his adjustment period in an offense that will look quite different with the additions of Ben Simmons, Markelle Fultz and J.J. Redick.

Making sure Embiid gets used to the different sets they’ll be running and how each individual piece fits together is important. It’s a young team that still hasn’t found it’s identity as a roster, and the sooner they’re able to establish that, the sooner we’ll see success in Philly.

Embiid has already established himself amongst the best centers in the league — a rare feat for somebody who has only played in 31 games total. His defensive prowess was arguably unequaled during his time on the court last season, while his diverse array of interior moves and a reliable jumper made him a dynamic offensive weapon at 7-foot-2.

As The Process’ initial stage comes to an end, it’s an exciting time for Sixers fans. Not only do they boast the best young core in the league, but the Eastern Conference seems to be falling apart around them. Cleveland is dissolving, and even the best player on their greatest long term threat has been portrayed in an awkward light as of late.

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A major part of that impending success, however, is health, and that’s where Embiid is the primary concern. If he’s ready for training camp, that likely means there are no significant setbacks — which is the first hurdle to clear in the development of this team moving forward.