About a month ago, the unmistakable presence of Joel Embiid started becoming a little more regular, at least in the public eye. Whether at the 76ers’ training facility or during game day warm-up sessions, the 7’2” tall, 265-pound center - free of the walking boot that had been protecting his surgically-repaired right foot since August - began doing some very basic on-court work. His regimen has since consisted mostly of foul shots, stand-still shooting, conditioning, and recovery.

On Tuesday, following the Sixers’ practice at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, Brown indicated that Embiid is still in the early stages of performing basketball-related activities. The head coach, however, didn’t deny the significance of the developments that have emerged over the past four weeks.

“I think everybody sort of sees more of him for a reason,” said Brown. “We think he’s heading in a really, really positive direction, both physically and mentally. We’re going at a pace we’re all happy with. We understand how crucial it is that we don’t miss a beat, and he does, too. And I just think that like all over the place, he’s in a great spot. The more that you come into the gym, and you see him, I think you’d agree you’re seeing something a little different and more frequent than you would have last year.”

Embiid underwent a comprehensive bone graft operation to solidify his right navicular bone on August 18th at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York. No fewer than five surgeons oversaw the procedure, which was also monitored by David T. Martin, the Sixers’ Director of Performance Research and Development. Martin gained international acclaim at the Australian institute of Sport, and is running point on Embiid’s rehab assignment.

Recently, fans have had a first-hand opportunity to watch Embiid go through a pre-game routine, which at times has lasted longer than an hour. Brown himself lingered behind a few extra minutes on Tuesday, observing how Embiid handled a series of individual drills. Embiid put up shots from close range, and from deep, an area of the hardwood where Brown believes the Kansas product ultimately can have a key impact.

“He is our best shooter out of the bigs,” Brown said. “We all hear, we all talk how we have to put people where they can do well, and I believe he will be able to do this well, then we have to tap into that. That is very unique, to see a 7’2” man have the touch and form, and release of his wrist, you watch the strength of his wrist, and that thing comes off easy, and that is just really special. I think we all sort of can dream a little bit when you look over here. That’s a very, very different player.”



The Sixers chose Embiid with the third selection of the 2014 NBA Draft. In 28 games as a freshman in college, he averaged 11.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 23.1 minutes per game. Embiid will turn 22 on March 16th.