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Embiid optimistic following surgery on left knee

By Jason Klaer

Nov 19, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) dunks after the whistle against the Phoenix Suns during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) dunks after the whistle against the Phoenix Suns during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Joel Embiid is optimistic about his recovery from meniscus surgery.

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid hopes to be ready for the beginning of his second NBA season. Recently, Embiid experienced a successful surgery to repair a minor tear in his left meniscus. That knee injury, suffered in mid-January, sidelined Embiid for the rest of the 2016-17 season. According to NBC Sports, Embiid has positive vibes about the post surgery return.

His injury ranged from a bone bruise to a contusion and finally declared to include a torn meniscus. Embiid spoke to ESPN’s Jackie MacMullan in his first public comments since the surgery had taken place.

“I feel very lucky,” Embiid said. “When I went into that surgery, I went in thinking I was going to have a six-month recovery. That is what they told me: six months or more I’m thinking, ‘No, not again.'”

Embiid appeared in 31 games (started in all 31). He averaged 20.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 2.5 blocks per game. He almost made his first appearance in the 2017 NBA All-Star game. Unfortunately, Embiid’s season ended just two weeks before the festivities. Embiid is aware of health concerns and looks to be more proactive about his body.

“I realize I have to take better care of myself,” he said. “I didn’t realize how good I could be. Especially seeing what I accomplished this year, I want to keep on getting better.”

Ultimately, Philadelphia has failed to make the playoffs the past five seasons and need key players like Embiid to remain on the court. The franchise experienced its most wins (28) in a season since 2012-13.

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Furthermore, with the help of a couple teams, Philadelphia has the potential of three first round picks in the 2017 NBA Draft. A solid draft could suit well for the upcoming 76ers.