Once Ferkel began to speak, he could see the shock spread over Embiid's face. He wanted to insert two screws into Embiid's foot to stabilize it, then have him begin a rehabilitation program that would last five to eight months. The news left Embiid crestfallen, Ferkel said, fearing for his future in the sport, until Ferkel explained that there was no need for panic. In that moment, Ferkel might as well have been talking to Sixers general manager Sam Hinkie, the rest of the team's power people, and a fan base forever seeking reassurance that the sky wasn't about to come crashing down.