Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid Could Miss 2015-16 Season

Photo Credit: USA TODAY Sports

Photo Credit: USA TODAY Sports

The NBA season is over for the Philadelphia 76ers, yet things are still not going their way. Center Joel Embiid – third overall selection in the 2014 draft – sat out the entirety of the 2014-15 season due to a foot injury. Embiid, expecting to return healthy and aid the 76ers, now could potentially miss the 2015-16 season.

Embiid came into the league with a surreal amount of potential, backing up his case for being the third overall selection. In addition to his on-court potential, fans got to know the center on social media as well. Prior to the 2014-15 season, Embiid pitched his idea to, now, Cavaliers’ LeBron James to join him in Philadelphia.

The Philadelphia 76ers may need more comic relief after a press release stated that Embiid’s foot was not healing in ideal fashion and suffered a setback. Keith Pompay, of Philly.com, specified that Embiid may not be ready for the NBA 2015-16 opener, and could potentially miss the season.

“Recently, Joel and Sixers personnel traveled to Los Angeles for a series of routine exams with a number of physicians who have been actively involved throughout this process. During his visit with Dr. Richard Ferkel, a standard CT scan on Joel’s right foot revealed less healing than anticipated at this point.”

Oh boy. Could the 76ers really afford Embiid missing another season? Chances are no, if they intend to compete, but it puts an additional strain on their rebuilding plans. The 76ers, holding a 18-64 record, contain the third overall pick in the 2015 draft, similarly to the 2014 draft. With Embiid’s potential absence, the 76ers could look to shift their outlooks and take another, ‘big man,’ with their pick. Originally, analysts would assume the 76ers would select Ohio State point guard D’Angelo Russell, if still on the board.

Speculations vary in a wide range, but a definitive decision is far from now. It’s proven to be too early to decide if Embiid can play in the following season, as the current season has yet to end.

Losing Embiid for an additional year would prove to be completely heartbreaking for the 76ers’ organization, but playing in the 2015-16 season has not been ruled out. In addition to potentially losing Embiid, the 76ers may have to look at an alternative in terms of draft strategy.