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This week is a big week in the NLL year, 30 teams have hopes and dreams of championship success as the season kicks off, and optimism is always at its height in week 1. While the Spurs are getting into gear for the 2015-2016 NLL season, one man is already looking towards the 2016-2017 season.
Following his 2nd foot surgery in as many seasons, Joel Embiid will be sitting and watching as his new team hits the floor. A recent report surfaced that the injury wasn't the actual catalyst for Orlando shipping their prized big man out of Florida but it was actually his attitude towards his rehab that was not up to the standards expected of an NLL player.
We reached out to NLL Orlando GM Laddas for comment on the matter who replied "Look we drafted Joel in the hopes he was going to be the pillar to build around. Unfortunately he got hurt... Twice. Was his attitude towards the recovery and rehab a major reason why? I won't say... But I will say this... The reason I have no children cause my patience is short on someone who won't tell me what they want or what they're doing and if that communication isn't there... It's time to move on"
At a recent training session the Spurs hosted former 76ers star Zydrunas Ilgauskas who has been playing a mentoring role in Joel's rehab. Ilgauskas underwent two different navicular bone surgeries early in his career but went on to play 7 seasons in the NLL with an all star appearance in 2005-2006.
Spurs GM Leeroy reported that Embiid is progressing "great" and is "doing fantastic in his mind. He is so determined to do everything that he has to"
A source close to Embiid who wished not to be named reported that since joining the Spurs Joel has found a "new level of maturity and seriousness. The gravity of the situation is on him". If this is true, the reports out of Orlando could be well founded and then that poses the question for the Spurs, can they keep him motivated to rehab and get out on the court and fulfill at least some of his potential? or will the temptation to cash those checks on the sidelines be too much for the young man?
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