NovaCare Physician Says Embiid Sets Off "Major Red Flags"
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Doctor George Stollsteimer with the Trenton Orthapedic group, who specializes in sports medicine, is very worried about NBA draft prospect Joel Embiid. Embiid, 20, recently had surgery on his right foot due to a stress fracture and his recovery time is projected to be about four to six months.
"My opinion is, it would set off major red flags to me," Dr. Stollsteimer told the WIP Morning Show on Wednesday. "Immediately, what I start thinking of is [Greg] Oden, Yao Ming--I know there's comparisons, I think [Michael] Jordan had a similar injury when he was early in his career, but it's a different animal."
The Sixers have the third and 10th overall picks in the NBA draft, and Embiid could indeed be the Sixers selection at number three. However, Dr. Stollsteimer wouldn't touch Embiid at number three, let alone number ten.
"Some of these big guys, just to me, it's very scary," Dr. Stollsteimer said. "So I don't know if I'm trading up to get him, I might let him go until [pick] 14th, 15th, if he's still around at that point, but I don't even know if I would want to take him at [number] ten. It's just worrisome. "
Dr. Stollsteimer admits the injury is more concerning to a player of Embiid's size, than it would be compared to a guard.
"I am more worried about a seven-foot center with an injury like that, than a six-three guard with that injury because it's a different amount of force on the body," Dr. Stollsteimer said.
Listen - Dr. George Stolsteimer on the WIP Morning Show:
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