Philadelphia 76ers general manager Sam Hinkie was criticized by some last year for selecting Joel Embiid with their top selection in the 2014 NBA draft. There was talk prior to the draft that Embiid could miss most, if not all of his rookie season in the NBA due to his broken foot and that's what happened. With word of a setback, some in Philadelphia wonder if Embiid could be sidelined for another season. From Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer:
- "76ers center Joel Embiid may not be available to play at the start of the NBA season after the latest setback in the healing of his right foot, an NBA source said Sunday. There's also a legitimate chance that the 7-footer could miss the entire season. Another source, an Eastern Conference executive, said Sunday that the 76ers' rebuilding plan is doomed if Embiid is unable to remain healthy or play at a high level. ... It was unknown Sunday if Embiid, 21, would have to undergo another surgery that could sideline him for part of the next season. The team was still gathering information and nothing had been ruled out. The Cameroonian big man is not expected to participate in the two NBA summer leagues the Sixers will play in next month. It is not known how long he will be sidelined. ... There's a chance this injury could hinder Embiid's career the way it has for other 7-footers. Like Embiid, Yao Ming suffered a stress fracture in the navicular bone in 2008 and again in 2009. That injury forced Yao to retire in 2011."
