Something fishy is going on with 76ers center Joel Embiid

Something fishy is going on with prized Sixers asset Joel Embiid. In a statement released by the team back on July 11, it seemed like the worst-case scenario surrounding the Sixers’ 2014 No. 3 pick was unveiled and the team’s rebuild was about to take a devastating turn.

“Experts unanimously agreed that the routine CT scan in June did reveal less healing than anticipated [on Embiid’s foot], an unexpected result since Joel was not experiencing any foot pain,” Sixers general manager Sam Hinkie said in the statement. “A collective decision has been made that the best approach to promote full healing would be to proceed with a bone graft of the fracture site. We anticipate the procedure will take place in the next 7-10 days and result in Joel missing the upcoming season.”

Yet nearly a month later, no surgery has taken place. No update has taken place. No boot has even been seen on his reportedly “re-broken” right foot.

What does this all mean?

For one, it does not look good. After the first stress fracture was revealed in the navicular bone of his right foot back on June 19 of last year, surgery was done just a day later on the 7-foot center from Cameroon.

Many believe the current delay might be associated with Embiid’s denial of a second surgery. If Embiid thinks his foot is fine and doesn’t need surgery, how can the team force him into another one? Embiid’s denial to wear a boot and recent Instagram posts seem to point towards his readiness to play, not sit.

So the team now has a few options. The team could either risk further damage by playing him, fine him without pay and sit him or ship him out of town for likely pennies on the dollar in a trade. None of these scenarios are good for the future of the franchise.

Until a further update is given, rumors and speculation will continue to grow. This is one occasion where silence is not the right answer.