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Joel Embiid scores first points of his career in preseason game (Video)

By Rob Wolkenbrod

Apr 8, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Injured Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) practices prior to a game against the New York Knicks at Wells Fargo Center. The New York Knicks won 109-102. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Injured Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) practices prior to a game against the New York Knicks at Wells Fargo Center. The New York Knicks won 109-102. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Joel Embiid finally played a preseason game and even made his first basket.

In the 2013-14 college basketball season, Joel Embiid had been viewed as a potential No. 1 overall pick for the 2014 NBA Draft. A back injury halted his progress, though, and two foot issues took him out for the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons.

During Embiid’s time off the court, the Philadelphia 76ers have been one of the worst teams in the NBA. They’ve continuously finished toward the bottom of the standings for the last few years, and have racked up college basketball’s top talent. However, Embiid hasn’t played, Jahlil Okafor missed time last season, and Ben Simmons has a foot injury, which will keep him out for a few months.

Well, the Sixers finally got a look into the future on Tuesday night as the former Kansas star finally made it onto the court for a preseason game. He even scored his first bucket with a move against Boston Celtics center Tyler Zeller.

It’s refreshing to see Embiid finally on the basketball court after being drafted 28 months ago. He’ll probably have a limited workload, but it’s progress for him and this struggling franchise.

Despite the 22-year-old’s return, Philadelphia may be in for another rough season. They’re going to rely on unknowns like Dario Saric and Timothe Luwawu, and hand the point guard keys to Sergio Rodriguez. They’re all promising pieces, but how well can they come together?

Nerlens Noel’s development should be a storyline as well. He’s coming off an 11.1 points per game season, with 8.1 rebounds per game and 1.5 blocks per game. It’s a stat line that should increase in 2016-17, potentially at a double-double level. How much can he do to help take this team out of the league’s cellar, though?

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Joel Embiid’s preseason debut is just one step toward the Sixers gaining relevance. He and others will be needed to turn this team around.