Joel Embiid still not cleared to play, but there is no need to panic just yet

Joel Embiid has been the biggest unknown in this Sixers rebuild, and his health is still wandering near murky waters.

Three seasons, 31 games. It’s really the only knock on Joel Embiid this far into his career, but it’s a big one for sure. The Sixers took a chance on Embiid in the 2014 NBA Draft, despite back issues and a foot injury that would keep him out for at least his first season. Philadelphia remained patient, as Joel Embiid was pinned as a “generational talent” at big man.

One year passed and all seemed normal, as Embiid tried to bounce back from missing his first year. That was until a setback in the middle of the summer was announced, keeping him out for yet another season. The “bust” and Greg Oden comparisons started to become louder.

Over two seasons after being drafted went by, and Joel Embiid finally logged his first NBA minutes. In a close game against Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder, he recorded 20 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks in 22 minutes. He would go on a tear the rest of his playing time, even on a minutes restriction.

That was until his 31st game of the season occurred. A nationally televised game against James Harden and the Houston Rockets came into Philadelphia. Embiid came into the night marked as “questionable” due to knee soreness. He played anyway, scoring 32 points in a losing effort.

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That would be the last of Joel Embiid for the season. A slight tear in his meniscus would keep him out, and now it is keeping him from fully participating. ESPN’s Marc Spears reported that the big man is not yet cleared for 5-on-5 drills.

It seems daunting. Embiid hasn’t shown one sliver of health since he entered the league, but it’s way to soon to panic. The Sixers and the medical team aren’t blind to the fact of how prone to injury Embiid has been thus far into his short career. Now, the end of his contract is on the horizon this upcoming season, and the front office will need to get a full look of Embiid to determine his health.

So, continuing the cautious approach shouldn’t worry anyone. We are still two months away from the start of the season. Sure, it doesn’t seem like much time. But it’s not like Joel Embiid has been sitting around all summer. Reports of him putting in extra work with Ben Simmons and Nik Stauskas were sprinkled around all summer. He’s healthy enough to play at an athletic level, but not quite to the point where needs to be.

He had a slightly TORN MENISCUS. It’s no small injury. And it’s not one related to any of his prior injuries. He landed on someone’s foot, and got injured. It happens. It’s part of the game. But his injury history has rightfully brought up questions. It also doesn’t help that the Sixers have been surrounded by rabid hype this year.

But Embiid should be wanting this cautious approach. This year could change the course of his career in many ways. If he plays well and stays healthy, he’s an almost no-brainer to receive a five-year max contract. If he continues a streak of injuries, then he can 1) sign a less lucrative extension, or 2) try his luck out in restricted free agency. Restricted free agency is an unknown anymore, especially with a majority of the teams capped out next summer. Add in the fact that the market has turned on big men, i.e. Nerlens Noel, and Embiid’s situation becomes unclear.

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So is there reason to panic? Maybe a little. But this should be the least bit surprising to anyone who has followed the way this team has managed injury recovery.