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Two years ago Joel Embiid was viewed as one of the most promising young players in the NBA, but with him now expected to miss the entire 2015-16 season, it is time to view him as a bust.
Leading up to the overly-hyped 2014 NBA Draft, Andrew Wiggins and Jabari Parker dominated the headlines, but it was Joel Embiid who was viewed as the most intriguing prospect. Despite having only played basketball for a few short years, Embiid already possessed an impressive skill set – one that led to him being compared to Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon. In the weeks leading up to the draft, Embiid’s stock quickly rose and there was even talk of him being selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the top overall selection. However, come draft night that of course did not occur as the injuries he sustained to his back and foot during pre-draft workouts scared the Cavaliers off, causing him to fall to the Philadelphia 76ers at No. 3.
In the midst of a rebuilding phase, the 76ers’ selection of Embiid had its critics. But for the most part, this selection was viewed as the right choice, especially since out of the remaining players left on the board, Embiid clearly possessed the most potential. During the course of the 2014-15 season, the 76ers never officially ruled Embiid out for the year. However, it was almost understood that there was very little chance for Embiid to see the court – outside of pre-game workouts, of course.
As the season progressed, the decision to hold Embiid out for the season became more and more accepted. This was thanks in large part to the success found by Nerlens Noel – who just the season prior was held out while recovering from an injury.
One year removed from his injuries, Embiid’s foot has yet to recover. Earlier this summer it was reported that Embiid’s right foot was still not healed properly. On Saturday, the 76ers announced that because his foot has yet to heal properly, it is likely he will once again miss the entire upcoming season.
https://twitter.com/Sixers/status/620035399600095232
Embiid sitting out his first season in the league was not the most ideal situation for the 76ers. However, after watching the success Nerlens Noel had after a year off from playing basketball, there was reason to remain optimistic about Embiid’s long-term future. With him now expected to miss yet another entire season – especially as the result of a foot injury (see Bill Walton and Yao Ming) – there should be very little optimism left surrounding Embiid. Instead in its place should be the realization that he will simply just join a laundry list of talented players, who for one reason or another turned out to be a bust.
Looking back, it will be hard to argue with the 76ers’ decision to take a gamble on Embiid. This is especially true since the players selected immediately after him have yet to show any signs of being a franchise-type player.
While it is hard to argue against the original selection of Embiid, it is now – two years later – hard to argue against the label of bust being placed upon him. At 21 years of age, Embiid will now be forced to away from the sport of basketball for at least two whole seasons – something that obviously will not benefit someone who is still trying to learn the nuances of the game. Let’s not also forget previous history, either. If past history is any indicator of the future, being 7 feet tall has not helped anyone who is trying to recover from a similar injury.
Sometimes in life you need something to believe in. For 76ers fans, that something is general manager Sam Hinkie’s plan – which has been constructed around Embiid. When you believe in something as much as 76ers fans believe in this so-called plan, it is hard to admit when something is wrong. They may not want to believe it, but with the latest announcement regarding his health, it is time for 76ers fans to stop believing and instead time for them to start realizing that their once-prized possession is now officially ready to be labeled a bust.
Greg Sacidor is a Feature Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @Greg_Sacidor or add him to your network on Google.
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