Sixers Dealing With A Double-Edged Sword In Joel Embiid

The Philadelphia 76ers knew what they were getting themselves into on Jun. 26, 2014. In one of the most important nights in recent memory for the organization, general manager Sam Hinkie revealed his mentality in choosing Philadelphia’s first pick as the highly touted Joel Embiid joined the fray. Some believed it was fitting that the rebuilding Sixers selected a talent unable to add to the win column or produce in his rookie season.

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While it ironically fit the mantra, Embiid’s selection was warranted exemplifying the “Best Player Available” approach. The star appeal Embiid embodied was worth the monumental risk. If there was a team equipped and willing to select a top-5 pick who would never suit up his rookie season, it was Philadelphia. While the 76ers were accepting an Embiid debut that wouldn’t come until the 2015-16 season, they weren’t prepared for the bombshell last week.

It exploded with crippling intentions as Embiid is expected to miss the upcoming season, per the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Keith Pompey:

This isn’t an Andrew Bynum fiasco playing out once again; Embiid is instrumental to the organization’s development. He’s universally known as one of their primary focal points in the lengthy rebuild. At just 21, he’s going to seemingly view the game he excels at for the second year in street clothes.

Many can harp on the development he’s losing in rehab, but only Embiid knows how it feels internally to be out of commission. While he’s been a Twitter fiend and joyous supporter on the sidelines, you’d like to think the Cameroonian wants to be growing on the court with his teammates.

While the persistent foot injury is a guaranteed problem for all parties involved, Embiid, at times, showed his nonchalance to the situation.

The athletic prowess displayed in the season was encouraging, but the contingency for another setback seemed real and unnerving. Embiid acted his age, but management can’t prioritize solely wanting him to rehab and get healthy over the ability to live his life.

Rifts in the player-management relationship occur in every sport and the Sixers loosened up to Embiid’s charismatic personality throughout last season, as shown in an article from Philly.com’s Michael Kaskey-Blomain back in August 2014:

"“I told him I want him to take over my Twitter account,” Hinkie joked on a conference call with media members on Tuesday. “Maybe my followers will pick up. I think I’m at like 20 or so now.”"

Despite the weight issue midway through the season, Embiid regained his immaculate physique and build through the latter portion of what would have been his rookie year. Instead of sulking, he became a cheerleader for an inept unit and was rewarded with a seldom witnessed coaching role in a timeout to conclude the season.

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It’s clear Philadelphia has faith in Embiid despite what looks to be another squandered attempt to witness what the prodigy can bring in a full NBA season. His absence is a serious wound, but one the Sixers can heal from with time. Embiid would still be the selection if Philadelphia could relive the 2014 NBA Draft.

Patience has been preached by management and Embiid’s eventual debut coincides with the willingness to bide time for peak results. He’s like a Sour Patch Kid. The Sixers are currently dealing with the sour part of Embiid’s career, but waiting for the sweetness to unfold will be worth the struggle.

Forget the fit for now. Let it dissipate in the cool Philadelphia breeze and envision three giants manning the paint. Embiid’s ceiling was thought to be astronomical, but another growth spurt might have propelled it to another stratosphere. In early July, Embiid relayed a franchise-changing message to head coach Brett Brown in an interview in which Brown spoke with Anthony Gargano and Jon Marks of The Fanatic in Philadelphia:

"“I get a text from Joel a few weeks ago in the middle of the night that said: ‘Guess how tall I am.’ And so I guessed seven-foot. Two minutes later he texts back ‘You’re wrong, I’m 7’2″.’ I text back ‘How do you know this?’ He texts back ‘Doctors. I’m 7’2″ in sandals.’ And when you stand next to him, when you’re around big men you understand the difference between seven-foot and seven-two, and he is 7’2″.”"

That’s the epitome of Joel Embiid’s NBA career. The dire urge to see what this kid can do and be forced to wait once again. A potential reincarnation of Hakeem Olajuwon delayed for your entertainment. Embiid’s been recently considered an outsider in a freshly minted interior duo of Nerlens Noel and Jahlil Okafor, which has fans buzzing about a new Twin Towers-esque pairing.

Once again, Embiid’s cohesion with Noel can only be idealized and envisioned. The now 7’2″ behemoth is not considered an afterthought by any means. His ceiling dwarfs both Okafor and Noel’s. As a potential stretch-5 with immaculate athleticism and rim protection traits, he’s a possible transcendent talent.

The supreme building block in the rebuild, his game-changing abilities overshadow the wait, the risk and the fit. It might be another washout season for Joel Embiid, but in time, the double-edged sword etched in the Sixers will be used in their favor.

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