Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid will miss the upcoming regular season following a second surgery on his right foot this week, but his recovery could possibly keep him out of action for the start of the 2016-17 campaign, as well.
The 76ers are reportedly aiming for an October 2016 return for the 7-footer, although he may need to miss some games to begin the year, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer's Keith Pompey.
"Talking to my sources, they want to see him return around October – not this October, but the next October, for that season," Pompey said.
"And he may not even return for the start of that season. He may miss a couple games. But that’s their goal."
Embiid has yet to see a minute of NBA action after being selected third overall by the franchise in 2014 out of the University of Kansas. His recovery from recent bone graft surgery places a return date at around 5-8 months.
Unfortunately for the 76ers, Embiid's surgery was not covered by the team's insurance policy, mainly because it was a pre-existing injury. The franchise would have received roughly 60 percent of what Embiid was owed had it kicked in.
The 21-year-old is set to make $4.6 million in 2015-16, with Philadelphia having the ability to pick up his team option of $4.8 million for 2016-17 come October.
