It took more than two years, but Sixers fans finally got the chance to see Joel Embiid on the court last night.
The massive center, who missed his first two full seasons with foot ailments, played 13 minutes in the Sixers preseason opener, a 92-89 victory over the Celtics.
Embiid scored only 6 points, but clearly showed the promise that have caused every NBA scout to label him something special, of course with the caveat "if he can stay healthy."
That caveat continues to ring in the Sixers' ears because of who was not on the court last night.
That would be No. 1 pick Ben Simmons. He underwent surgery yesterday for a broken bone in his foot and is expected to miss three months.
But there are rumblings that he might be out even longer, that he might miss the entire season, just as a precaution.
Columnist Jack McCaffery doesn't think much of that idea.
Can't say I disagree with him.
Sixers fans have waited long enough.
They endured Sam Hinkie and "The Process."
They finally appear to be ready to end the tanking and start competing.
Now their prize No. 1 pick is on the shelf, just as Embiid is taking his first baby steps in the league.
It's almost as if the sports gods have decided that too much is going right in Philly. The Eagles are on the upswing, with Carson Wentz leading the charge to a 3-0 start.
Embiid and Dario Saric are actually on the court.
Now fans have to wait for Simmons.
That wait should be as short as possible.
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