Joel Embiid, who was the third overall pick in the 2014 NBA entry draft, will miss a second straight season after undergoing more foot surgery, the Philadelphia 76ers announced Wednesday.
The 21-year-old Cameroon native underwent a bone graft and had two screws replaced in his right foot, general manager Sam Hinkie said.
The 2.13 metre (7-foot) Embiid also had surgery on the same foot a year ago that sidelined him for the 2014-15 NBA season after he was the No 3 pick in the draft from the University of Kansas.
“If we all do our part,” Hinkie said, “this will end in a way in which Joel can achieve all his dreams for having a really long, really fantastic NBA career.”
Embiid’s recovery is expected to take five to eight months.
Embiid first injured the foot during his one and only season at Kansas in 2013-14.
