The Sixer Sense
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Philadelphia 76ers: 5 Areas Where Joel Embiid Has Improved

By Josh Wilson

Apr 8, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Injured Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) practices prior to a game against the New York Knicks at Wells Fargo Center. The New York Knicks won 109-102. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Injured Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) practices prior to a game against the New York Knicks at Wells Fargo Center. The New York Knicks won 109-102. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Philadelphia 76ers big man Joel Embiid has yet to play an NBA game, but he has improved in five specific areas during his injury rehab.

Apr 8, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Injured Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) practices prior to a game against the New York Knicks at Wells Fargo Center. The New York Knicks won 109-102. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Injured Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) practices prior to a game against the New York Knicks at Wells Fargo Center. The New York Knicks won 109-102. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Joel Embiid was taken with the third overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers. By now, one who hasn’t paid attention to the NBA over the last few years should assume that the third overall pick has an established presence in the NBA, and is on his way to reaching his prime as a basketball player. Possibly, he’s on the verge of his very first All-Star season.

That assumption would be dead wrong, as Embiid still has yet to play a single NBA game.

Embiid came into the league with injuries, which is why the once projected top-overall pick dropped to three. Sam Hinkie — the general manger at the time — couldn’t help but pick him up, as the risk was high, but the return could be even higher.

The risk ended up being even higher than the Sixers knew at the time. More injuries were discovered, and he had to undergo foot surgery to repair a broken navicular bone in his left foot, sidelining him for what should have been his rookie season.

The following year, Embiid had a setback with that same foot injury discovered after the draft, and was put under the knife yet again, for another reparative surgery. He would miss his entire should-have-been sophomore season.

Now, we’re approaching what should have been his third NBA season, and Embiid has yet to play in a game. He is hopeful that he will see the floor this year, and return in time to play for Philly this season. His recovery seems to be going along well.

Throughout his recovery, he has been seen before games running drills, and videos have been put out online of Embiid working out. Here are five things that he has improved in his game, as well as in his personality throughout the two years he has sat out so far.

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