Dr. Richard Ferkel may have to get a new operating table for his latest patient. Joel Embiid boasts a 7-foot ..."/> Dr. Richard Ferkel may have to get a new operating table for his latest patient. Joel Embiid boasts a 7-foot ..."/>
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Joel Embiid’s doctor optimistic about full recovery

By Henry McKenna

Feb 4, 2014; Waco, TX, USA; Kansas Jayhawks center Joel Embiid (21) during the game against the Baylor Bears at the Ferrell Center. The Jayhawks defeated the Bears 69-52. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 4, 2014; Waco, TX, USA; Kansas Jayhawks center Joel Embiid (21) during the game against the Baylor Bears at the Ferrell Center. The Jayhawks defeated the Bears 69-52. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dr. Richard Ferkel may have to get a new operating table for his latest patient. Joel Embiid boasts a 7-foot frame. But optimism surrounds the foot of the third-overall selection from the 2014 NBA Draft. Embiid’s surgeon is confident the draft selection can make a full recovery. While many speculated that would not be the case leading up to the draft, the 76ers took a risk on the former Kansas star. Luckily, their top selection last year, Nerlens Noel has had a strong showing thus far in Summer League. Perhaps there will be little pressure for Embiid to play this season.

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The Philadelphia Inquirer got an exclusive interview with the Embiid’s surgeon.

“Once he’s fully healed, his chances of having a long career are very good,” Ferkel said in a phone interview. “There’s no reason he shouldn’t have a great NBA career and be very successful. Once this heals, hopefully this won’t be an issue for him in the future.”

And if it’s any consolation, he also said Embiid’s case of a navicular-fracture was far from the worst he’s seen — apparently, he’s between 20 and 30. It’s hard to imagine such a bright career lost over a foot fracture, but foot injuries can be just as deadly to a big man’s career as a back injury or knee injury. According to an interview done by For The Win, the injury has an 80 percent healing rate. The surgeon they interview suggested it would be best leaving Embiid out for the entire year to recover.

Sixers fans will, no doubt, have their fingers crossed for the surgery.

Be sure to check FanSided.com’s official NBA page to keep up to date on the latest news and rumors from around the league all summer long.

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