Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid. (Photo : Getty Images)
The 2014 NBA Draft third overall pick Joel Embiid is reportedly set for his debut as a Sixer next season as huge expectations loom in Philadelphia for the Cameroonian 7-footer.
ESPN indicated that the 22-year-old former Kansas Jayhawks standout "will finally make his NBA debut" next season after missing the last two years of competitions because of a right foot injury.
Embiid suffered a broken navicular bone in his right foot during the summer of 2014. He then underwent surgery six days before that year's draft took place, but he was still selected third overall by the Sixers.
After sitting out the entire 2014-2015 season as he recovers from the operation, it was then found out thru CT scan last summer that the required healing was incomplete and a second surgery is needed to fix it.
As a result, the Yaoundé, Cameroon native missed last season again and is said to be enthused about the possibility of finally playing in the NBA this October.
According to the report, Embiid posted in his social media account the message "Wish we could fast forward to next season" with a hash tag of "#FinallyHealthy," which indicates his eagerness to at last play professional basketball.
Meanwhile, Sixers legend Billy Cunningham said that Philadelphia's success will hang on the shoulders of Embiid and not only the result of this year's draft.
Philly is expected to select potential future NBA star Ben Simmons of LSU as the top pick of the 2016 pool and analysts are forecasting that the Sixers have finally concluded "The Process", which means it is time for the squad to win.
"Embiid's the whole key, isn't he?" Cunningham said, as per the Philadelphia Media Network.
Cunningham praised former general manager Sam Hinkie's vision of having one of the youngest cores in the league and also the patience in losing several seasons to have the opportunity to do so.
He also lauded current head coach Brett Brown's persistence through the years, saying that "Brown is unbelievable, to have a smile and have that attitude that he brought to every practice. He's a special man, and I'm so glad that he's going to get an opportunity to possibly have some real talent, to have some free agents come in and just be excited that 'We can win this game,' instead of looking for a good performance."
