Joel Embiid looks to be a go for the Philadelphia 76ers' season-opener on Wednesday night after playing the last two preseason games, but according to head coach Brett Brown, the 7-footer will start the season in a minutes restriction starting at the teens.
“I didn't know about that,” said Embiid upon finding out his minutes restriction. “That's very disappointing. Hopefully that changes based on today's practice and tomorrow's practice.”
#Sixers Embiid 'disappointed' at having minutes restriction expected to be on the teens. pic.twitter.com/zJpTnXuaLB
— Tom Moore (@TomMoorePhilly) October 16, 2017
Embiid didn't need too many minutes to do some damage, managing a whopping 22 points in 15 minutes of playing time during his preseason debut against the Miami Heat, where he managed a blistering 14-of-18 from the line while hitting 4-of-9 from the field.
“The Process” just garnered a five-year, $148 million extension with Philly earlier this month, symbolic of the franchise's commitment to him as the cornerstone player of this team.
The Cameroonian looked great during his 31 games on the floor last season, putting up 20.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 2.5 blocks through limited minutes and back-to-back restrictions.
The Sixers will be utmost careful with his recovery once again, and will likely ease him up according to his progress. He only played a combined 30 minutes during his two preseason games.
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