Sixers Rumors: Update on Joel Embiid hold-out rumors, Porzingis recruitment

Joel Embiid will not be held out of 5-on-5 drills regardless of the development of the ongoing contract extension talks with the Philadelphia 76ers, according to Tom Moore of Bucks County Courier Times. The report contradicts an earlier scoop from 94WIP’s Howard Eskin, who stated that Embiid’s agent, Leon Rose, was reportedly seeking an extension deal for his client before he participates in scrimmage at training camp.

Downplaying the false report

Moore said a source close to the situation told him there’s "nothing to the reports" of Embiid sitting out of team scrimmages.

76ers head coach Brett Brown backed up Moore’s report by refuting the Rumors in an interview on 94WIP's Carlin & Reese, saying they were “just not true.”

Embiid, the no.3 overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, had a great rookie year with the Sixers after he missed his first two NBA seasons with a broken foot. The Cameroonian big man averaged 20.2 point, 7.8 rebounds and 2.5 blocks in just 25.4 minutes per game. He also shot well from the floor last season (46 percent field goal percentage ) and showed range for his size (37 percent from beyond the three-point line).

Embiid’s strong campaign came to an end after suffering a knee injury midway through the season.

After playing 31 games, the big man was ruled out for the remainder of the 2016/17 NBA season because of a meniscus tear in his left knee. The injury served as a big blow not only for the 76ers but for Embiid’s bid to win the Rookie of the Year award, which was eventually taken by second-round pick Malcolm Brogdon of the Milwaukee Bucks.

Embiid’s contract extension is quite an intriguing subject because of his past injuries. The Sixers wanted assurances the center had no red-flags or injuries with long-term consequences before they signed him to a five-year extension deal worth around $150 to $175 million. Failure to come up with a contract extension before the Oct. 18 deadline means Embiid is eligible for restricted free-agency next summer.

Recruiting Porzingis

Embiid made another recruitment pitch to New York Knicks big man Kristaps Porzingis, who is currently playing with the Latvian men’s basketball team at EuroBasket 2017. Porzingis posted a picture of him on Instagram with a comment that resembles the Sixers’ mantra the past 3 to 4 years: Trust the Process. Trying to stir curiosity among fans on social media, Embiid jokingly asked Porzingis in his comment whether he wants to join the Sixers.

This isn’t the first time Embiid recruited Porzingis on social media. The Sixers’ franchise player also tried to woo Porzingis earlier this summer when the Latvian was under scrutiny for failing to appear in the Knicks’ exit meeting.