Report: Joel Embiid needs another foot surgery, likely out for 2015-16

ByABC News
July 11, 2015, 5:51 PM

— -- Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid needs another surgery on his injured foot and likely will miss the entire 2015-16 season, according to a report by the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Sources confirmed the second surgery to ESPN's Ramona Shelburne and Jeff Goodman, saying that while Embiid is not experiencing pain in the foot, test results showed a regression in the healing process. 

The Inquirer, citing multiple sources, reported that the 76ers are planning for the likelihood of Embiid missing the season and are concerned that his latest setback could be career-threatening.

"I would say there's a great possibility that Embiid won't play next year," one source told the paper. "Just think how long they sat him when they thought he was healthy."

One source told ESPN that Philly hasn't ruled Embiid out for 2015-16 yet.

"They are going to obviously take it slow, but aren't ready to rule him out for next season yet," the source said.

According to the Inquirer, the Sixers have not decided whether Embiid will undergo his latest foot surgery in North Carolina or at New York's Hospital for Special Surgery.

Embiid, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2014 NBA draft, sat out all season -- though he raised hopes late in the season when an on-track recovery had him shooting, running and dunking at practices and pregame drills.

But Sixers president Sam Hinkie acknowledged last month that the team was considering surgery for Embiid and that the big man's foot "doesn't seem to be healing as well anymore."

With Embiid's availability clearly in doubt, the 76ers selected 6-foot-11 Jahlil Okafor with the No. 3 overall pick in this year's draft.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.