Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid can't catch a break, unless it's in his foot.
Having already missed his entire 2014-15 rookie campaign with a stress fracture in his right foot, there is a "legitimate chance" the 21-year-old Kansas alumnus may be forced to sit out all of 2015-16 after suffering a setback in his recovery, according to Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer.
"He was their guy," a league executive told Pompey on condition of anonymity. "They were hoping he was a franchise player. If he's not a franchise player, their whole plan is gone.
"If Embiid can't play or if he can't reach a superstar level, their plan is really in trouble."
General manager Sam Hinkie released a statement on Saturday regarding his injured big man, explaining that a recent CT scan on Embiid's foot had revealed "less healing than anticipated."
Embiid, whom the Sixers selected with the third pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, was expected to suit up for the team in this year's summer league. At the very least, this latest injury news should kill any hope of that happening.
Pompey's source said that Embiid's setback would not change Philadelphia's draft plan on June 25, as they will go ahead and take the best player available regardless of position. Both D'Angelo Russell and Kristaps Porzingis have recently been linked to the 76ers.
