Joel Embiid may miss the beginning of next season and could be out for all of 15-16 after a setback in the healing of his right foot.

"He was their guy," said the executive, who spoke on condition of anonymity. "They were hoping he was a franchise player. If he's not a franchise player, their whole plan is gone. . . . If Embiid can't play or if he can't reach a superstar level, their plan is really in trouble."

Sam Hinkie said in a statement Saturday that a recent CT scan, performed in Los Angeles, revealed less healing than anticipated at this point. His recovery time was expected to be five to eight months. But the Sixers handled his rehabilitation with caution and he was expected to sit out the season.

"Our priority remains providing Joel with every opportunity to ensure he has a long and successful NBA career," Hinkie said Saturday. ". . . We will continue to consult with the experienced team of doctors who have been an integral part of his evaluation, while also engaging in dialogue with a broader set of experts and specialists."

Embiid is not expected to participate in Summer League.

"I don't think anyone [around the league] is surprised at all," the NBA executive said. "Cleveland and Milwaukee [which picked first and second in last summer's draft] would not consider him because of the foot and back injuries."

Another league source said Embiid's latest setback would not influence the Sixers' plan in the June 25 draft.