Joel Embiid did not start his NBA journey until the 2016-17 season as he dealt with injuries from 2014-2016. Despite questions on his durability, the Philadelphia 76ers took a chance on the Cameroonian, drafting him third behind Andrew Wiggins and Jabari Parker.
At the time, there were some who raised questions on whether the 7-footer was worth drafting in the top 5. Most felt he was a risky recruit but the Sixers gambled anyway. So far, that has worked out for Philly although Embiid has not been spared from injuries along the way. Regardless, he remains a force to reckon with for the Sixers whose main problem is lack of outside shooting.
In a curious piece from Yaron Weitzman of the Bleacher Report, Embiid was reportedly open to joining the Los Angeles Lakers at that time. The Cameroonian wanted to play alongside Kobe Bryant and that would have been possible if Embiid has been passed up by other teams. Los Angeles picked 7th and took in Julius Randle instead.
Given that it took him two years to actually play his first NBA game, the chances of him playing with Bryant would have not happened anyway. The five-time NBA champion was forced to retire after the 2015-16 NBA season, meaning Embiid would have played his first game with Bryant already calling it a career. But then again, the case would have been different if Bryant had not succumbed to injuries. A combo featuring the two would have been something.
Another scenario of what could have been is if Embiid had not fallen prey to injuries. Factor in the other players who followed the succeeding years like D'Angelo Russell and the Lakers could have been a force to reckon with.
Regardless, all that is in the past and it would be best for Embiid to focus on showing the league what he can do leading the Sixers. The three-time NBA All-Star has shown off his talent and is undoubtedly someone who can tow a team to the NBA finals. But without proper support (particularly in shooting), Philly is unlikely to go deep in the NBA playoffs.
Before the NBA suspended the season, the Sixers were tied with the Indiana Pacers for the fifth and sixth spots. Both are battling for better positioning. If the league does resume, these will be two teams to watch. But given the coronavirus pandemic, the chances of seeing the entire season scrapped may render all that futile.
