Some may say the Philadelphia 76ers took a risk drafting Joel Embiid. While his projected ceiling in the NBA is very high, his injury history is not. The swingman suffered a back injury in college while playing with the Kansas Jayhawks and then he suffered a foot injury that is delaying his time getting onto the court with Philadelphia. After dealing with that issue with last year's draft pick, Nerlens Noel, the team is trying to remain flexible with the young star. So for now, Embiid is not getting a contract.
All but two of the first-round draft picks from 2014 have been signed. Embiid and Charlotte Hornets rookie PJ Hairston are the only ones left. Philadelphia has yet to sign any of their draft picks in fact as KJ McDaniels, Jerami Grant and Jordan McRae have yet to earn a contract. So what is the hold up?
According to Chuck Myron of Hoops Rumors, the 76ers might hold off signing Embiid as long as possible in order to "maximize flexibility." The timetable for Embiid's return to the court is slated sometime between November and February. The 76ers do not expect Embiid on the court until after the All-Star break. They have already dealt with this once before as Noel did not even see the court last year after tearing his ACL at Kentucky. Since Embiid's debut will also be delayed, Philadelphia is holding off inking him to a contract.
According to Rookie of the Year Michael Carter-Williams, despite Embiid not playing, the 76ers have a solid roster to compete. However, that no longer includes Thaddeus Young who will be sent to the Minnesota Timberwolves as part of a three-team trade. Carter-Williams told the media that Young taught him a lot last season and now he is determined to step up as a leader.
"I think regardless who is on the team, I have to be a leader out there, give direction to the new guys and really bring the team together," Carter-Williams said, via The Intelligencer.
The next move for Philadelphia could include a trade for Amar'e Stoudemire and possibly Iman Shumpert if they play their cards right. The 76ers must get over the minimum salary cap line before the start of the season and taking on Stoudemire's inflated, but expiring, contract will help the effort. He would also give the team a veteran presence, something they are desperate for. According to Steve Kyler of BasketballInsiders.com, the 76ers and New York Knicks could work out a trade as Phil Jackson is hoping to deal at some point this offseason.
