Seth Vigdor
Sixers fans get ready. We are slowly but surely nearing the debut of Joel Embiid in a Sixers uniform. We’ve heard the recent rumors that are circulating that Embiid’s health could determine whether Jahlil Okafor gets traded. So Embiid’s health is even more important to this team in more ways than one. Sixers beat writer Tom Moore is hearing from his sources that right now, Embiid’s lone restriction is “full-contact, full-court scrimmaging.”
#NBA source: Joel Embiid's lone restriction right now is "full-contact, full-court scrimmaging." Story to follow. #Sixers
— Tom Moore (@TomMoorePhilly) April 4, 2016
Embiid was seen working out toward’s the end of the Sixers practice on Monday. He had just gotten back from a two week rehab trip in Qatar. There’s already been talk from coach Brett Brown that the Sixers are going to gently ease Embiid back into the mix next season.
In Moore’s report, Brett Brown provided his feelings on Embiid’s on the court progress. Here’s what Brown had to say courtesy of Moore and the Bucks County Courier Times.
“A little quicker, a little bit more active heart rate, a little bit more getting blood flowing, a little more movement — a little bit more of a little bit more.”
Brown also touched on the reasoning behind sending Embiid out to Qatar for rehab, which by the way is his second rehab stint out there.
“It’s extremely private. It’s extremely isolated. It allows him to not be distracted by almost anything. It’s a community of fellow athletes sharing ideas, sharing stories. He’s in an incredible professional environment that helps him.”
Embiid has missed his first two NBA seasons due to a pair of foot surgeries. The anticipation is building for Embiid to step on the court for the Sixers. Each day that passes, it sounds more and more like he’s finally heading in the right direction. I for one cannot wait to see him on the court, fingers crossed.