Trusting “the Process”: Will Joel Embiid Ever Be What We Thought He Was?

For the third time in as many years, Joel Embiid has been sidelined by an injury to his lower extremities, and it was recently announced that he would indeed require another procedure. Although after a lengthy wait, but with such flourish this season (which was considered his “rookie” season) his health and subsequent time “under the knife” begs the question, will “The Process”, ever complete the process?

Embiid has proven not only to be a dominant force at both ends of the court, but he has also shown skills and abilities that show why he was worth waiting around for. With range all the way back to the three point line, he can put the ball on the floor and get to the cup off of pump fakes and such, even being a practical 7 footer. His jump shot touch is good from mid-range, he is showing that face up ability from the mid-range to mid-post area, and he has been shooting and driving to the rack. His back-to-the-basket game is, of course, already good, as he is a 7 footer. His defense has always been a calling card, but what sets Embiid apart is his athleticism, gracefulness, his skill set is spectacular given his size, and his overall ability to make such a gargantuan body do extraordinarily swift and nimble things usually left for those with more petite frames.

The only thing that might be more well rounded than Embiid’s game is his infectious personality. This is apparent as he is already a social media sensation, but has even found himself as the main character in commercials. One commercial of Embiid’s that particularly sticks out to me is a “jolly rancher” candy commercial.

This is true, Embiid’s rookie year is the only thing that has lasted longer than a “jolly rancher” candy, and it appears that we are possibly headed towards adding another year to that list. Whether or not they finally make him a “vet” is irrelevant, but what is important here is the effect that these continued setbacks could have on his future. Will he ever be what we thought he would be coming out of Kansas? That is a tough question, and one that won’t be answered until it is too late, for better or for worst.

This means that by the time that question can be answered, he will be either be out of Philadelphia and flourishing beyond expectations, or in Philly, soaking up mega millions off the cap and sitting on the bench in his suit. The world may never know. Actually we will, but the catch is that us, Embiid, The Philadelphia 76’ers, and the rest of the NBA will probably find out simultaneously. Hey, “trust the process”, right Sam Hinkie? Philly may never trust again if this doesn’t turn around for the better because although Dario Saric and a few others are starting to really pan out, none of them can be as be as big as “The Process”. Trust me.