The Sixer Sense
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Philadelphia 76er Joel Embiid Taking It To Next Level

By Bret Stuter

Feb 8, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid practices prior to a game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 8, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid practices prior to a game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 2, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers general manager Sam Hinkie (far left) watches as center Joel Embiid (21) walks out of the tunnel on crutches prior to a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers general manager Sam Hinkie (far left) watches as center Joel Embiid (21) walks out of the tunnel on crutches prior to a game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

One Foot On The Ground

But there is reason to temper expectations, at least the quality of play in the 2016-2017 season. You see, Joel Embiid, while practicing in gymnasiums and on basketball courts, hasn’t played a game in the NBA to date, and has not played in an organized team basketball game for quite a while.

And so, the hopes clash with the fears. You see, over two years is an awfully long time NOT to compete, and therein lies the rub. Not only will the Philadelphia 76ers need to bring Joel Embiid up to NBA speed, but will also be hard pressed to build a team around him as he himself is constructing his NBA personna.

That is just the latest in a series of training drills as a Sixer.   His routine is demanding, but monitored and very focused.  He is dedicated now, something that could not be said honestly about his efforts in his first year with the team.

But age draws wisdom and maturity.  Having been drafted by the team, sitting on the sidelines rehabbing for two years, he’s had time to soul-search about how much he wants this.  Fortunately for the Philadelphia 76ers, the answer has come back with a resounding YES, he does want to realize his full potential.  And so, the rehabilitation mixed with the demand of patience has been both enriching and disciplining for the young man from Cameroon.

Next: The Fit