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Colangelo: Embiid dancing at Meek Mill show not the best thing to see

Bill Streicher / USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia 76ers are still probably a bit traumatized by Joel Embiid's two-year-long rehab from a foot fracture, and they'd probably prefer the 22-year-old played things cautiously while recovering from a minor meniscus tear in his left knee.

So you can perhaps understand the team's brass being less than thrilled to see Embiid dancing onstage at a Meek Mill concert at Wells Fargo Center on Friday night, if for no other reason than the poor optics.

"It's not the best thing to see when you wake up on Saturday morning and you find out that was the case, because I know the reaction," Colangelo told reporters Saturday. "I understand some of the potential concern out there.

"Perhaps he crossed a line, perception-wise."

Whether or not Embiid's dance put him at risk of exacerbating his injury, perception in this case is important, especially since last season - as Embiid's injury issues and repeated setbacks dragged on - reports emerged about his poor habits and work ethic.

Colangelo, however, also made a point of praising the rookie for how he's gone about his business this season.

"It's hard to say to someone like Joel, that has been a tremendous character and tremendous citizen for us, that he's doing anything untoward or wrong," Colangelo said.

Embiid is expected to be held out until after the All-Star break.

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