Joel Embiid didn't play a single game last year after being drafted by the Philadelphia 76ers because of a broken foot that required surgery. This season Embiid will not play again as he broke the same bone in his foot and will require the same surgery but there hasn't been any word from the 76ers organization about the surgery or when it will happen. On Tuesday it was reported that Embiid has not had the surgery yet but he will be getting it done "in the near future", according to John Gonzalez of CSN Philly.com.
The lack of word from the 76ers organization about Embiid's impending surgery has been very puzzling and has led to a lot of speculation. Some have speculated that Embiid might be having second thoughts about the surgery as he has been pain free according to president and general manager Sam Hinkie. There have been reports that Embiid and his camp have been looking to possibly get another opinion to see if the surgery is definitely necessary.
Along with looking for other opinions on his foot Embiid also reportedly reached out to Kevin Durant, the Oklahoma City Thunder star, to get his take as he had three different surgeries on his foot last season. Durant is doing basketball activity now and should be ready for the beginning of the 2015-16 NBA season but details of Durant's encounter with Embiid are unavailable.
Despite the speculation that Embiid was unsure about whether to undergo the surgery he reportedly has come to terms with it and will have the surgery sometime soon although a date for the surgery has not been reported.
The Sixers should be just fine at the center position this season without Embiid as they still have Nerlens Noel and 2015 first round pick Jahlil Okafor but Philadelphia still wants to see what they have in their 2014 first round pick. Embiid is still only 21 years old but his injury history is very long for someone that young. It is fair to wonder whether Embiid will ever be able to reach his true potential but for now it seems like he is prepared to undergo his second surgery in two seasons.
