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.
Tuesday was the two-year anniversary of the last time Joel Embiid played a basketball day. That was 733 days ago. Seven-hundred-thirty-three
— shamus (@shamus_clancy) March 4, 2016
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