The 76ers said their star big man is absent because of medical reasons.
Joel Embiid's agent, Leon Rose, reportedly wants the Philadelphia 76ers to ink the 23-year-old big man to a long-term deal before he’ll play 5-on-5 action, according to 94WIP’s Howard Eskin. It was first reported in early August that Embiid had not yet been medically cleared to play full-court basketball.
76ers head coach Brett Brown has disputed Eskin’s report. “It's just not true,” Brown said on the Carlin & Reese Show, also on Philadelphia-based radio station 94WIP. According to several sources who spoke to Liberty Ballers, Embiid’s absence from 5-on-5 play is strictly due to a lack of medical clearance.
Of course, even if Embiid still isn't medically cleared, it doesn't necessarily mean Eskin's report isn't true.
Embiid, who made his much anticipated NBA debut last year, tore the meniscus in his left knee in late February and underwent the knife to repair the injury. Here’s what Eskin said on-air about Embiid’s contract status.
He’s not ready for 5-on-5 play, according to the Sixers. But what I understand is, his agent wants a new contract before he — remember he’s eligible to get a new deal. Now, if you’re the Sixers you can’t give him a max deal until you see that he can play, how many games he can play during the season.
But my understanding, part of the reason that they’re saying — whoever it is that is saying that he’s not ready for five-on-five play, is because — and Joel Embiid, I don’t think worries about the money, but they listen to their agents. And the agent wants a new contract.”
Why is Embiid worried about his contract situation now?
Embiid is eligible to sign a hefty extension on Oct. 16 because he is entering his fourth year in the league and is still under his rookie deal. If the 76ers decide to sign their talented big man to a max deal, that would start at $25 million a season.
Philadelphia obviously wants Embiid back, but there are obvious and real concerns about his health for the rest of his career. The team may be hesitant to sign him to a max deal for that reason.
“Look, I’d just say we want Joel to be on the team for a long time,” Harris told ESPN.com. “We want us all to grow old together. That’s the way I would put it.”
Embiid showed fans a glimpse of his talent last season. After missing his first two seasons because of a nagging foot injury, the 23-year-old big man proved to fans that he is a game-changer on the court when healthy. He averaged 20.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks in 31 games.
