Stock of talented centre takes a hit after latest injury setback.
Joel Embiid will be out of action for up to six months after having two screws inserted into his left foot after a fracture was detected during a pre-draft physical.
Surgeon Dr Richard Ferkel said the centre should make a full recovery and be up to the standard needed for the NBA.
“Two screws were inserted into the navicular bone in Joel Embiid’s right foot,” Ferkel said in a statement released the former Kentucky star’s agent.
“The surgery went very well and I’m confident that after appropriate healing he will be able to return to NBA Basketball. Joel tolerated the surgery without difficulty and will begin his rehabilitation in the near future.”
Despite the assurances, the latest injury related news for Embiid will affect his draft stock, after many pundits had him penciled in at number one and heading to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
A lingering question of the health of his back was of the biggest concern in the lead up to the draft next week, but much of that had been put to rest after scouts were able to see the athletic 7-footer being put through his paces.
However, this latest injury news is set to see Embiid fall to possibly 3-4 in the draft, which would put him in line to be picked up by the Philadelphia 76ers or the Orlando Magic.
The 76ers already have a talented big man on the sidelines through injury with Nerlens Noel not playing a second of his “rookie” season due to knee surgery.
Plus, Philly is looking closely at drafting slashing point guard Dante Exum, which means Embiid could be landing in Florida with the Magic.
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