Philadelphia 76ers: 5 goals for Joel Embiid in 2017-18

2. Play in at least 60 games

For most players in the league, this goal would be considered a layup.

However, considering Embiid’s now chequered history with injury, this would represent to a significant accomplishment.

Granted, the Sixers have welcomed aboard some significant talent this offseason. Markelle Fultz was selected with the No. 1 overall pick, acquired in a pre-draft trade with the Boston Celtics. Also, veteran free agents J.J. Redick and Amir Johnson were signed to one-year deals, providing invaluable experience both on and off the court.

Philadelphia 76ers

And this is without mentioning Ben Simmons, the No. 1 overall pick in 2016, who missed his entire rookie campaign due to a fractured foot.

But as exciting as all additions will be for coach Brown and his staff, the health of Embiid at this stage is without question the most important factor on the eve of the 2017-18 season.

Last season, as alluded to earlier, Embiid suffered a knee injury in January which turned out to be worse than first feared. What at first was just considered bone bruising turned out to be a meniscus tear, hence resulting in Embiid’s offseason and involving a significant amount of rehabilitation.

Taking into account the Sixers’ 14 scheduled back-to-back appearances, a basement goal of 60 games for Embiid this season seems both fair and reasonable.

Having played just 31 games in three seasons, any increase in his workload will undoubtedly be felt on Embiid’s seven-foot, 250-pound frame. But assuming Embiid gets through training camp successfully, and is able to briefly participate in the five scheduled preseason games, a target of 60 games would be an amazing result for all involved if he could reach it.