Joel Embiid's path to becoming an NBA All-Star and All-NBA player was far from conventional, marked by significant injury setbacks that delayed his professional debut and tested his resolve. Drafted third overall in 2014 by the Philadelphia 76ers, Embiid's first two seasons were entirely sidelined due to foot injuries. His eventual breakthrough in the 2017-18 season, where he earned his first major accolades, stands as a testament to his perseverance
and the organization's patience through what was dubbed "The Process."
This period of his career highlights the immense challenges athletes can face and the dedication required to overcome them, ultimately leading to a pivotal season that solidified his place among the league's elite.
The Challenging Start: Injury-Plagued Seasons (2014-2016)
Embiid's professional journey began with immediate adversity. After declaring for the 2014 NBA draft, he underwent surgery on a broken navicular bone in his right foot on June 20, 2014, just days before being selected by the Philadelphia 76ers. This injury initially ruled him out for four to six months, but the recovery proved to be more complicated than anticipated.
He signed his rookie contract in August 2014 but was subsequently ruled unlikely to play at all in the 2014-15 season. A significant setback occurred in June 2015 when a CT scan revealed less healing than expected. This led to a second round of surgery on his right foot in August 2015, further delaying his debut and causing him to miss the entire 2015-16 season as well. These two full seasons on the sidelines were a difficult start for a highly touted prospect, raising questions about his long-term health and career trajectory.
The Rookie Season and All-Rookie Honors (2016-17)
After two years of waiting, Joel Embiid finally made his NBA debut in the 2016-17 season. Despite being on a minutes restriction and playing only 31 games, he quickly demonstrated his immense talent. In those limited appearances, he averaged 20.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 2.5 blocks per game. His impressive play earned him a spot on the NBA All-Rookie First Team, a significant achievement given his restricted playing time.
This season offered a glimpse into the player Embiid could become, showcasing his unique blend of size, skill, and defensive prowess. It was a crucial step in his development, proving that he could perform at an elite level when healthy, and building anticipation for future seasons where he might play a more complete schedule.
The Breakthrough: First All-Star and All-NBA Appearances (2017-18)
The 2017-18 season was the culmination of Embiid's hard work and resilience. Playing a career-high 63 games, he averaged 22.9 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game. This consistent performance led to his first NBA All-Star selection, making him the first 76ers player to earn the honor since 2013. Furthermore, he was named to an All-NBA team, solidifying his status as one of the league's premier players.
This season not only marked his individual ascent but also coincided with the Philadelphia 76ers' return to playoff contention, finishing with a 52-30 record and reaching the conference semifinals. Embiid's ability to overcome his early career injuries and develop into a dominant force was a pivotal narrative, transforming him from a promising but injury-prone prospect into a certified NBA star.
