Sixers News: Joel Embiid reportedly not yet cleared to play 5-on-5

For all intents and purposes, Joel Embiid has been a fixture at the Sixers’ practice facility this summer, running through drills and putting in the work to be prepared for this season. There’s one small caveat, however—he may not be cleared to play five-on-five just yet.

That’s the word from Marc Spears of The Undefeated, who claims to have caught up with the big man while traveling for the Basketball Without Borders camp.

While the first reaction for many Sixers fans will be one of outright panic—and I have not exactly been kind to the team’s medical woes in the past—I would not worry too much about this one just yet.

Embiid hasn’t shown any signs of being unprepared to go when the season rolls around, and the team has not publicly or privately suggested they’re concerned about his recovery from the meniscus injury that ended his season. A team source confirmed to Liberty Ballers again this morning that Embiid remains on schedule.

It is, however, worth keeping an eye on, particularly after we were led down a very confusing path following a similar injury to Jahlil Okafor the season prior. They’re two different players with two much different medical track records, but it at least provides us with a point of comparison within the organization.

But until you hear otherwise, Embiid is doing just fine. So try to hold onto your composure for the time being.