76ers center Joel Embiid may not be available to play at the start of the NBA season after the latest setback in the healing of his right foot, an NBA source said Sunday. There's also a legitimate chance that the 7-footer could miss the entire season.
An Eastern Conference executive said Sunday that the 76ers' rebuilding plan is doomed if Embiid is unable to remain healthy or play at a high level.
Another league source said Embiid's latest setback would not influence the Sixers' plan in the June 25 draft. He said the team still would use the third overall pick on the best available player regardless of position.