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2014 NBA Draft : Players We’re Waiting For

By Gary Gorski

Dec 15, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Injured Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (left) talks with general manager and president Sam Hinkie (right) before a game against the Boston Celtics at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 15, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Injured Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (left) talks with general manager and president Sam Hinkie (right) before a game against the Boston Celtics at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 8, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid practices prior to a game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 8, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid practices prior to a game against the Los Angeles Clippers at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Joel Embiid

Joel Embiid was selected third overall by the Philadelphia 76ers. His time frame to play in the NBA was never in doubt from a talent or geography standpoint; his risk was injury.

Former Sixers GM Sam Hinkie decided that after waiting a season for previous pick Nerlens Noel that the Sixers rebuild would certainly wait for Embiid.

Embiid had everything NBA general managers dream of. A 7’0″ mobile center with great agility, Embiid drew comparisons as lofty as Hakeem Olajuwon and Tim Duncan but came with the risk of his navicular fracture — an injury which jeopardized his entire career as it has done with prior players such as Yao Ming.

Embiid was the ultimate risk/reward pick.

A one-year delay was expected, but fears worsened when Embiid re-broke the same bone and ended up missing all of the 2015-16 season. As of now Embiid has been cleared for scrimmaging although will not participate in the Summer League.

Sixers fans have to hope for the best and that they will finally see their prized franchise center on the floor this season.

Next: Sixers Stash

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