When the Sixers suffered through the abysmal 2013-14 campaign, fans were eager to see what the draft would bring. With the exception of KJ McDaniels, the Sixers don't have much to show just yet for their draft with Joel Embiid injured and other picks deciding to work on their game overseas.
When the Sixers got stuck with the third pick, it was clear that neither Andrew Wiggins or Jabari Parker would be an option. So, instead of selecting a player that could have an immediate impact, the Sixers went with injured big man, Joel Embiid. Since being a part of the Sixers organization, Embiid has been most well known for his tweets, dances and bench reaction during games. Though the Sixers top pick from this year isn't available to speak to the media until he participates in a full scrimmage, there are reports concerning the big man's weight and condition.
In an article by Keith Pompey of Philly.com, he goes into the issues regarding Embiid, specifically his weight. When he was at Kansas last season, he weighed in around 250. Sources close to the team say that he is up near 300. He has also reportedly had some issues with the staff. Embiid was sent home on the teams' recent west coast trip because there was a spat between him and conditioning coach, Jim Davis. In Pompey's story, he talks with the most experienced guy on the Sixers, Luc Mbah a Moute, about the troubles concerning Embiid. He doesn't seem overly concerned.
"He's a young, 20-year-old kid who is trying to figure his way into being a professional basketball player and learning life," Sixers forward Luc Mbah a Moute said.
"Obviously, you can see some of his immaturity [in] his tweets sometimes," Mbah a Moute said. "But you can also understand how mature he is in certain situations the way he handled himself. . . . He's a good kid, man.
"At the end of the day, it's tough for him being in a situation where people can't really see who he is as a person."
Embiid has been through a tough year. Not only has he been stripped of the ability to play the game that he loves, but he also lost a family member as well. Though Embiid may not resemble the player he was at Kansas just now, the Sixers brass hopes he returns to his chisled form that he had in college. The frustration has gotten to the third overall pick, forcing Brown to send him home from the west coast trip to be in a more stable workout enviornment.
"He's boxed up in a big man's frame," Brown said. "He is frustrated at times when he isn't playing. He can't play. And I just feel like there are a lot of things going against him."
The Sixers are hoping he sheds the weight and is 100 percent healthy by next season.
When Embiid returns to the court, he will likely provide the post presence that the Sixers have been lacking for quite some time. Though Nerlens Noel is now a regular, his lack of bulk and post offensive leaves much to be desired.
Brandon Apter is a writer for Sixerdelphia.com.
