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Joel Embiid’s Journey To One Of The NBA’s Most Dominant Big Men

By Ryan Jackson

Oct 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid walks from the dressing room for warmups against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid walks from the dressing room for warmups against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 15, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Injured Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (left) talks with general manager and president Sam Hinkie (right) before a game against the Boston Celtics at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 15, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Injured Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (left) talks with general manager and president Sam Hinkie (right) before a game against the Boston Celtics at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Overcoming Obstacles

His June surgery just wouldn’t go away, however, and he was forced to miss the entirety of the 2014-15 season. But things only got worse after Joel finally recovered to briefly participate in the NBA’s summer league.

There were complications with his originally surgery, forcing him into yet another one. Sixers insiders and staff were genuinely concerned that this setback was a career threatening one. He could officially be categorized with Greg Oden.

He eventually recovered setback free, and by the time the preseason rolled around, he was set to go. In a few brief cameos, he reminded us just why we were so high on him to begin with. His footwork, grace, rim protection, and quickness left us praying that he wouldn’t suffer the same fate as Oden.

The impressive preseason showing lead to some lofty regular season expectations. Despite the cluttered Sixers front court, Joel was the odds-on favorite for Rookie of the Year. And yet, he’s still somehow shattered expectations.