NBA: Each team’s greatest comeback from injury in franchise history

Greatest injury comeback in Philadelphia 76ers history: Joel Embiid

Broken right foot

Big man Joel Embiid has done a shedding of the injury-prone label this season in the NBA and it’s commendable considering how rocky of a start his career got off to with injuries.

Embiid was drafted third overall in the 2014 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia 76ers but he didn’t make his debut until the 2016-17, two years later, due to an injured right foot.

He suffered the first injury during his college years and had foot surgery prior to the draft, but the Sixers were still willing to take the risk. He had a second surgery the following summer in August 2015 after the foot resisted healing and team officials were cautious in making sure they didn’t rush things by shelving him for the 2015-16 season.

Embiid returned in 2016-17 and though on a minutes restriction, he made the most of his opportunities, averaging 20.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.5 blocks and 2.1 assists per contest in 31 appearances. The following season, he broke out with fewer restrictions, making the first All-Star appearance of his career.

He produced 22.9 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.8 blocks per game while recording 38 double-doubles through his 63 appearances, all starts. This season, he’s taken his game even further, putting up 27.3 points, 13.5 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.9 blocks per contest to go along with 48 double-doubles and a triple-double through 54 appearances.

He’s been a testament to the moniker “Trust the Process” that has been a driving slogan in Philadelphia’s pursuit of a championship. He’s on the way to having a career season as the Sixers currently rank fourth in the Eastern Conference standings. His game should continue to elevate despite starting things off on the injured list.