The Sixers‘ announcement last week on Joel Embiid‘s knee surgery sounded like a positive one — the procedure was successful, and the team expects him to resume basketball activities this summer in preparation for the 2017/18 season. Still, as John Smallwood of The Philadelphia Daily News writes, it’s hard not to be a little skeptical, given the way the 76ers have handled injury news this season.
While the Sixers may not have intentionally misled fans on the details of injuries to Embiid and Ben Simmons this season, the team’s handling of both players created more confusion than clarity. And as Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer writes, that process seems to be repeating itself with Jahlil Okafor, whose status as of late has raised more questions than answers.
Here’s more from around the Atlantic division:
- Pau Gasol received plenty of interest in free agency last summer before signing with San Antonio, but he was surprised not to receive a call from the Knicks, per Marc Berman of The New York Post. Knicks president Phil Jackson coached Gasol in Los Angeles years ago, but Jackson had “tunnel vision” when it came to free agent centers last summer, pursuing Joakim Noah without seriously considering Gasol, Berman writes.
- Although the Knicks hope to identify a long-term answer at point guard this offseason, they aren’t a lock to take one with their first-round pick, a source tells Berman. Depending on where New York’s pick lands, it could make more sense for the club to grab a prospect like Kansas forward Josh Jackson.
- With several key players, including Kyle Lowry and Serge Ibaka, on track for free agency this summer, the Raptors will have to think long and hard about their next steps. Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer examines a few potential direction the club could go in the coming months.
- The numbers may not show it, but Amir Johnson is a valuable piece for the Celtics, says A. Sherrod Blakely of CSNNE.com. Johnson is in the final year of his contract and will be eligible for unrestricted free agency this offseason.
The Knicks need a player who can push the tempo and set the tone on defense, Fox brings just that. Melo needs to be moved asap he does not fit this team at all because they simply don’t need him anymore with Porzingis there plus Rose.
Honestly, if the Knicks can’t get Ball or Fulz (in that order), they should take Jackson or even Jason Tatum out of Duke….especially if they trade Melo. Jackson is a better defending Wiggins and will be a good pro. Tatum has old school game and could step in for Melo (after a couple of years seasoning). The other PGs seem more like the ball hogging, poor shooting, high TO type who may or may not end up decent NBA players. See Brandon Knight, Brandon Jennings, etc.
Fox and Dennis Smith will be way better then Knight and Jennings.
Based upon the Sixers history on dealing with injuries, I doubt if Embiid will play before next January.
You know, I’m glad finally someone spoke up in favor of Amir Johnson. I think Johnson has done very decent this year. I’d love to see him back next season.
Celtics Sign Johnson 3yr/18million
I could see that and kind of hope for that actually. While the Cs could use an upgrade at the 5, Johnson on a second unit would be fantastic. Plus it’d make my Johnson jersey good for a few more years lol.
He’d make more than 6 per year on the open market