Sixers won’t renew contracts of Drs. Medina, Martin
The Philadelphia 76ers have dealt with their fair share of injured players over the years. From Nerlens Noel's ACL to Joel Embiid's two foot surgeries to Markelle Fultz's thoracic outlet syndrome and Zhaire Smith's foot fracture and allergic reaction, there hasn't been a shortage of bad luck with the organization's young talent. Needless to say, the team's medical staff has had their work cut out for them during these times with high profile players on the team.
The organization has decided to part ways with two members of their medical and rehabilitation staff in Dr. Daniel Medina and Dr. David T. Martin.
Pompey reports that both Medina and Martin departed on good terms and that the organization is planning to add a vice president of athlete care prior to the start of the 2019-20 season.
Philly Voice's Kyle Neubeck reports that Dr. Christopher Dodson (Head Team Physician) and Dr. Barry Kenneally (Medical Physician) will inform medical-based decisions this summer.
Medina was brought in by former Sixers President of Basketball Operations, Bryan Colangelo, in September 2017. Medina joined the Sixers after serving as the Deputy Director of the Sports Science and Medical Department with Fútbol Club Barcelona. He oversaw 2,000 athletes and over 125 athletic care staff members. Medina was over all of the Sixers' areas of athlete care and performance, which included the medical and sports science departments and athletic training.
Dr. David T. Martin was a holdover from the Sam Hinkie regime, joining the organization in June 2015 as Director of Performance Research and Development. Martin was responsible for all facets of the team's sport science, performance, training, rehabilitation and medical initiatives. Martin spent nearly 15 years as the National Sports Science Coordinator for Cycling Australia and over 20 years as a Senior Sport Scientist with the Australian Sports Commission.
The news of these contracts not being renewed might come as a good thing to Sixers fans as there have been a number of questionable medical situations over the past few years when it comes to recovery time and injury specification.
Brandon Apter is a Sixers writer for 97.3 ESPN. Follow him on Twitter @bapter23.