Sep 29, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) during media day at the Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
3. Embiid Watch 2014
While it shouldn’t be as horrendously embarrassing as Bynum Watch, it’s going to get tedious waiting for Joel Embiid to step on the floor. Embiid could return to the Sixers by the new year, but it could be possible the 76ers shelve Embiid for the season, just like Nerlens Noel last season. Philly will want to make sure Embiid’s foot is fully healed, and there’s really no point to getting Embiid minutes on this team that’s trying to stay out of any form of contention other than for lottery position.
If Embiid does get healthy, one has to assume that reporters asking why he isn’t playing will be a thing that occurs early and often. While it might make sense for the overall team plan to sit Embiid for the year, fans will want to see the potential future of the team play, and that might cause some pressure on Sam Hinkie and Brown. If that happens, it’s going to get quite frustrating on both ends.