Joel Embiid needs foot surgery, could miss entire season for 76ers

Philadelphia 76ers fans likely will have to wait another year for Joel Embiid’s NBA debut.

Embiid, who was drafted third overall last year by the 76ers, will need surgery on his right foot and is expected to miss the entire 2015-16 season, the team confirmed Saturday night.

The former Kansas star had surgery last summer to repair a broken navicular bone in his foot but will need to have a second surgery after hitting a setback in his recovery. The 76ers said he Embiid will undergo a bone graft procedure on his foot.

Philadelphia General Manager Sam Hinkie said the team carefully considered Embiid’s options before making a decision about a second surgery.

“We have been consistent in our philosophy that our focus will be Joel’s long-term health and wellness to ensure he will have a long and impactful career in the NBA,” 76ers General Manager Sam Hinkie said in a statement.

“There was careful consideration given to a number of options related to this particular situation,” Hinkie continued. “A collective decision has been made that the best approach to promote full healing would be to proceed with a bone graft of the fracture site. We anticipate the procedure will take place in the next 7-10 days and result in Joel missing the upcoming season.”

Embiid, a 7-foot center from Cameroon, averaged 11.2 points and 8.1 rebounds per game for Kansas in 2013-14.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.