Joel Embiid Has Found 7 Dimensions Of Wellness

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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 /

Shooting Star

It’s at this point that most of you will pick up on the story of Joel Embiid. His was the star center at the University of Kansas. Projected to be the top draft pick of the 2014 NBA Draft, Embiid was discovered to have developed stress fractures in his back. On top of that, and even more concerning, was the presence of a fractured Navicular bone. Those fractures have become the bane of NBA big men.

That risk was too great in the eyes of the Cleveland Cavaliers and in the eyes of the Milwaukee Bucks.

It was not too great a risk for the Philadelphia 76ers however. In fact, Embiid learned after one year that he needed a second surgery. In this occasion, the Philadelphia 76ers spared no expense to consult world experts on the topic. The team considered all treatment plants and determined the best course was the second surgery. Finally, to hold the rehab of that foot for the second year both in the USA and at Aspetar Clinic in Qatar.

It was this final two year rehab that brought everything full circle. A young man in a new country far from home and far from family was hurled at the NBA full force. Two years to adapt, to learn, to see behind the curtain before taking center stage was as meaningful to his development as any other stage of his basketball career.