Sixers News: Front Office and Coaching Staff Discuss Joel Embiid’s Status

Since 2014 3rd overall pick Joel Embiid suffered a setback in his recovery from a broken navicular bone suffered in the days leading up to the draft, I have recommended an overly cautious approach to Sixers fans when dealing with their expectations for him. The organization spent a good chunk of the 2014-2015 season flaunting Embiid in front of its fans during pregame workouts to cash in on the hope he represented. Once it became clear that he would not play for the entire 2015-2016 season, a less publicized approach seemed like a more graceful approach by a front office that hasn’t exactly been a sterling example of how to run an NBA team.

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That’s not to say that Joel Embiid should not be allowed to join his teammates at games along the sideline or during practice. The pomp and circumstance with which they trotted him out during last season seemed over the top given the fact that the situation Embiid currently finds himself in, recovering for a full season for a second time, was a distinct possibility. There is plenty of the season that remains on the schedule, but Embiid is not the marketing tool he appeared to be at times during what should have been his rookie season.

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All indications are that the parties involved (Joel Embiid, Brett Brown, and the rest of the organization) are taking their most prized asset’s recovery more seriously this season. There haven’t been any stories about Embiid’s extracurricular activity or negligence in his rehab. Those who have caught a glimpse of the now 7’2″ Cameroonian can see just how fit he is and Embiid has started to ramp up his basketball activities in the team’s practice facility and pregame workout routines. Embiid is still not allowed to speak with the media, but that hasn’t kept various members of the Sixers organization from chiming in on where he’s at physically and mentally.

Brett Brown (from Tuesday): 

"“I think everybody sort of sees more of him for a reason…We think he’s heading in a really, really positive direction, both physically and mentally.  We’re going at a pace we’re all happy with.  We understand how crucial it is that we don’t miss a beat, and he does, too.   And I just think that like all over the place, he’s in a great spot.  The more that you come into the gym, and you see him, I think you’d agree you’re seeing something a little different and more frequent than you would have last year.”“He is our best shooter out of the bigs…We all hear, we all talk how we have to put people where they can do well, and I believe he will be able to do this well, then we have to tap into that.  That is very unique, to see a 7’2” man have the touch and form, and release of his wrist, you watch the strength of his wrist, and that thing comes off easy, and that is just really special.  I think we all sort of can dream a little bit when you look over here.  That’s a very, very different player.”"

On Wednesday, Chairman of Basketball Operations Jerry Colangelo and general manager Sam Hinkie were in attendance at practice. Tom Moore of Calkins Media was in attendance. These quotes are courtesy of his Twitter account. @Tmoore76ers.

Jerry Colangelo: 

Sam Hinkie: 

While one can probably go back into the archives and see similar commentary at different points last season, the Sixers are an organization that is taking things more seriously as it stands. They recognize that Joel Embiid is the most important piece to their puzzle and, one would hope, he has started to realize that as well. Once again, the most important elements of the next few months for Sixers fans are Embiid’s recovery, the hopeful arrival of Dario Saric and the status of potentially four first round draft picks.