Sixers

Bryan Colangelo Provided a Vague Update on Joel Embiid

By Kevin Kinkead

Published: Sep 25th, 2017 · 11:35 AM EDT

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Joel Embiid looked pretty good celebrating the Eagles’ 27-24 win on Sunday afternoon.

Here he is hopping up and down after Jake Elliott’s game-winning 61 yard field goal:

https://twitter.com/jaythetallkid/status/912058020686942210

Embiid is not, however, cleared for 5v5 basketball as the Sixers kick off training camp on Tuesday.

Monday, General Manager Bryan Colangelo offered an update during the team’s media day.

“Are there any updates on Joel? I would say, similar to what I said the other day, Joel is doing well in his recovery. He’s not quite cleared to resume full basketball activity. He is anticipated to be participating in a number of on-court basketball drills and activities this week but just has not been cleared to compete in five-on-five, full court scrimmaging at this stage. But he’s been doing well. Recent scans, as I mentioned the other day, show that the joint is intact and structurally sound. The body responds and reacts differently from one patient to the next. But we feel he’s on course to ultimately be available as our intended goal, and that’s for the regular season. Now, what he does between now and then is obviously going to be determined by how he progresses through each phase of his rehabilitative protocol. Everything is going to be criterion based and as he reaches certain thresholds he moves on to the next. But, all-in-all, our medical team feels good about where things are.”

Colangelo said that Embiid is “asymptomatic” and did not undergo any minor procedures since March.

As far as the contract issue:

"I don't believe there is any accuracy to that at all". Colangelo on @howardeskin report Embiid is holding out for contract.

— Jon Johnson (@jonjohnsonwip) September 25, 2017

Colangelo is “cautiously optimistic” that he will get the Embiid deal done by the 10/16 deadline.

Other notes from the presser:

• Jahlil Okafor has yet to compete in a 5v5 setting this summer. Colangelo says he has not been actively looking to trade Okafor.
• Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot will be limited with knee tendinitis to begin camp
• Markelle Fultz told reporters that his ankle is “100%”
• Ben Simmons is under no restrictions to start training camp
• Kris Humphries and Emeka Okafor are basically extra camp bodies who will take home a chunk of cash for their participation. Okafor hasn’t played in the NBA in several years.

Emeka Okafor hasn't played in the NBA for the last four years and turns 35 years old this week. #Process2Progress

— shamus (@shamus_clancy) September 25, 2017