Philadelphia 76ers Draft History: All Big Men
By Josh Wilson
Joel Embiid
Joel Embiid is another one of the Sixers’ recent draft picks that has yet to see any playing time. Embiid came into his rookie season with a navicular bone fracture in his foot, something the Sixers were aware of, but willing to take a gamble on because of how good Embiid was projected to be.
More from Draft
- Philadelphia 76ers Ten Biggest Mistakes of the Last Ten Years
- The Sixers sign four undrafted players after the NBA Draft
- Players the Sixers should target in undrafted free agency
- How to Watch the 2023 NBA Draft as a Sixers Fan
- 2023 NBA Mock Draft: 5 wing prospects 76ers could target
Embiid was, on his first projection of his career, expected to be back to playing in games this season, but a setback over the summer required him to get another surgery on his foot. This set his recovery back by an entire season.
Now, Embiid is getting back to warming up before games, and practicing with the team. Although the process seems to be going a bit slow, it’s for the best, because with no current trade value on Embiid, and a logjam in the frontcourt, someone is going to have to get moved, and it won’t be Embiid.
Embiid has not shown us anything on the floor yet, but we’ve seen him do some serious bulking up. Despite reports of overeating and drinking too many Shirley Temples, he’s clearly gained muscle, as well as an improved range shot.
Embiid could very well be the most important big man drafted over the last several seasons when it comes to this rebuilding process.
Next: Jahlil Okafor