Sixers Clear Embiid for Increased Workouts

By Max Rappaport, Sixers.com

When Brett Brown announced that prized center Joel Embiid was flying to Los Angeles for a check up with his doctor and that soreness had forced him back into the protective boot he wore for several months over the summer, the imaginations of some ran wild with doomsday scenarios. But before Wednesday’s game against the Bulls, the second-year head coach provided an update on the rookie big man, and what he said was undeniably and absolutely positive.

“It’s healing at the rate that we expected,” Brown told reporters. “[The doctors] have increased the minutes that we can keep him on the floor to 60… The bottom line is he’s come back from Los Angeles with the news that we all expected.”

Embiid (right) is reportedly able to do more activities after recently needing to be placed back in a boot. Photo Credit: Philadelphia 76ers

Embiid is out of the walking boot that he wore had worn for the past several days as a precaution, and prior to tip against Chicago he was out on the floor going through a pregame workout routine that included jump shots, post moves, and even dunks.

“It’ll be 1-on-0 [for now], and the next stage after 1-on-0 will be playing against another body,” Brown said. “We’ve got to be smart about trying to get his weight down and his conditioning up… There will be a plan put in place for him that will be organized with [head athletic trainer Kevin Johnson], [assistant coach] Billy Lange, and myself.”

The 20-year-old remains unavailable for game action while he recovers from offseason foot surgery.