In years past, Embiid would needlessly push through injuries. Last season alone, he suffered an ankle injury in the first quarter of a game against the Toronto Raptors a few days before Christmas, but he played through it to keep his 30-10 streak alive. He wound up missing the Sixers ’ next four games.

The Sixers have been honest about their plan to make sure Embiid makes it to the finish line and is healthy for the playoffs.

It is going to be an uphill battle for Martin to convince the Sixers by February's trade deadline that he is worth keeping, but that is not an indictment of the Sixers' perception of his abilities. Martin's contract — a two-year deal with a non-guaranteed second season — was specifically designed to make him an appetizing trade piece down the line.