Philadelphia 76ers Draft History: All Big Men

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.

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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