“Nights when Embiid sits”…how many of those will there be, exactly? Despite Embiid being squarely in his prime (he turns 29 in March), this season feels like it could go two distinct ways. and Montrezl Harrell continue the Houston reunion theme, the latter representing an incredible luxury for the Sixers to have on nights when Embiid sits. Tucker and De’Anthony Melton ( acquired via draft-night trade ) are defense-leaning role players who can shoot well enough to be guarded on offense. Any team that calls Harris a fourth option has a wealth of offensive talent. Maxey’s youthful exuberance can carry the offense for extended regular-season stretches. Embiid’s presence lessens the defensive attention on Harden, who in turn should be able to set Embiid up for better shots than any previous teammate. Their success begins and ends with Embiid, obviously, but he’s surrounded by talent that makes more sense than in years past. The Sixers did solid work this offseason and enter with great expectations. Embiid is one of the game’s best rim protectors, and those light feet help him hold up defending the perimeter when needed. In addition, Maxey, Harden, and Seth Curry gave opponents multiple players to attack all season. That meant Embiid, Matisse Thybulle, and Danny Green were the only plus defenders in the rotation. Embiid took nearly 4 threes per 36 minutes last season, which is closer to Mikal Bridges or teammate Tobias Harris than the average center.Īnd you could make the case that Embiid is better on defense than offense! The 76ers were tied for 10th in defense last season despite the absence of Ben Simmons. The 7’0”, 280-pound center complemented that by shooting 37% from three, with few attempts in the shorter corners. He made a staggering 73.5% of his shots at the basket last season. He can either batter opponents physically, or use his balletic footwork to dance to the basket. Embiid and Jokić are Victor Wembanyama ’s forbearers.Įmbiid is simply dominant on offense. They lead a revolution as significant to the game as Stephen Curry forever warping the geometry of the court. In addition, both can handle the ball above the three-point line to create shots for themselves and their teammates. Both are adept post-up artists, and Embiid presents the most menacing physical presence on the block since prime Shaquille O’Neal. What will Embiid have in store for his opponents? Top NBA Players 2022-23: #6 Joel Embiid Joel Embiid’s GameĮmbiid and his contemporary Jokić have redefined how a center can create offense. The latter, at least, shouldn’t be an issue this season. Unfortunate injuries and flawed teammates have played their roles in those disappointing finishes. The Philadelphia 76ers have not advanced past the second round of the playoffs in his career. He enters this season surrounded by arguably the most cohesive supporting cast of his career.Įmbiid also enters the season bearing the brunt of enormous team expectations. Embiid went from missing his first two seasons due to injury to consecutive second-place finishes in MVP voting to back-to-back MVP Nikola Jokić. Joel Embiid lands at 6 on our list of the best players for the upcoming 2022-2023 season.
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