Joel Embiid Ramping Up Workouts

Sixers center Joel Embiid has apparently ramped up his workouts as he attempts to return from surgery to repair the navicular bone in his right foot. | Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Last week, a report came out that 76ers center Joel Embiid, who is working his way back from surgery performed last offseason to repair the navicular bone in his right foot, was cleared to begin performing two-on-two drills.

While the 76ers have declined to either confirm or deny those reports, video has been released of Embiid ramping up the intensity of his workouts.

The Sixers held a pre-draft workout today at the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, a workout which featured DeAndre Bembry (St. Joseph’s), Josh Hart (Villanova), Melvin Johnson (VCU), Jaylen Bond (Temple), Shawn Long (Louisiana-Lafayette), and Isaiah Whitehead (Seton Hall).

Ish Smith and Joel Embiid were in attendance as well.

After the workout was completed, various members of the media snapped video of Embiid running through drills, which included light contact from assistant head coach Lloyd Pierce.

Some of the video is embedded below.

Embiid staying healthy is obviously still anything but a sure thing, and his recovery last year looked to be going well up until a regular scan found an abnormality in his foot. Still, he has the most talent of any player, or pick, the Sixers are currently in possession of.

It’s frequently said that in order for teams to become great, they need to get lucky. Embiid returning to the basketball court would be just the stroke of luck the Sixers need.

Lots of these might be starting to pop up in your timeline right now.Moving on to more physical work w/ Lloyd Pierce pic.twitter.com/WVZRfSfntS

— Brian Seltzer (@brianseltzer) May 16, 2016

A Joel Embiid sighting after today’s workouts. pic.twitter.com/6hBy16Z4NL

— Rich Hofmann (@rich_hofmann) May 16, 2016

Prospects now off the court, Joel Embiid on it. pic.twitter.com/6OswV4LMou

— Brian Seltzer (@brianseltzer) May 16, 2016