Philadelphia 76ers: Joel Embiid is still growing up

Oct 8, 2014; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Michael Carter-Williams (right) and center Joel Embiid (center) and forward Jerami Grant (left) on the bench in plain clothes while recovering from injuries during a game against the Charlotte Hornets at the Wells Fargo Center. The 76ers defeated the Hornets 106-92. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Joel Embiid is still growing

It’s really too bad that we don’t get to see Joel Embiid play this season, but he’s at least wowing NBA fans with his Twitter account. Even though he hasn’t been on the court, I feel like we’ve gotten to know Embiid quite a bit this offseason.

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Still, the 20-year-old can still learn how to be an NBA player without playing in a game. Those off-the-court things can be important, and something his teammates are trying to teach him as he recovers from foot surgery.

From Jessica Camerato of BasketballInsiders.com.

"“It’s noticeable that he’s young, trying to figure stuff out still,” Brandon Davies said of Embiid. “It’s hard not to be playing right now. He’s trying to learn and soak as much up as he can right now, but that’s hard to do when you can’t be in the action. You can kind of tell it frustrates him and he just wants to be out there with us.”Luc Richard Mbah a Moute has known Embiid since they were growing up in Cameroon. He understands firsthand the work Embiid will have to put in to succeed in the NBA. Even though their relationship dates back years through their fathers’ friendship, Mbah a Moute, 28, isn’t giving the rookie a free pass.“He has to learn how to be a pro — how to come in, do his job, take his job seriously, and become a better professional, more than basketball,” he said. “Basketball is a whole other world.”"

Embiid was considered the likely top overall pick before undergoing surgery to repair a stress fracture in his right foot. During his rehab, he is staying involved with the team and was sitting on the bench during the 76ers’ preseason game against the Boston Celtics, cheering his teammates on.

There is no doubt that not playing is a major disappointment, but to look on the bright side, this could help the rookie get acclimated to life in the pro’s and make him a more mature player once he takes the court. Then, he can focus on playing basketball. That will be exciting for all of us.

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