.Six years ago, many thought Philadelphia 76ers’ big man Joel Embiid would be the next Greg Oden.
A supremely talented big man who would have his career cut short by injuries.
Embiid missed the first two seasons of his career due to a foot injury and only appeared in 31 games during his third season.
The potential was clear – 20.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, 2.5 blocks across 25.4 minutes per game that third season.
He did so on 46.6% shooting from the field, including 36.7% on 3.2 threes per game, and 78.3% from the foul line on 7.9 attempts per game.
Embiid committed 3.8 turnovers per game as well and was prone to lapses in judgement and struggled against more complex defenses.
Issues that would continue to plague him for the next four to five seasons.
But what wasn’t clear was whether he would be able to stay on the floor long enough to unleash that potential to its fullest extent.
The 2021-2022 season has presented a resounding answer to that question: yes, he can.
Embiid has established himself as one of the most dominant players in the entire league.
And because of such, he is currently engaged in a battle for the league MVP with Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Jokic and Antetokounmpo are sensational players in their own right.
But this year, Embiid deserves the award.
3. Embiid Kept Sixers United Through Simmons Saga
Heading into the season, much of the talk surrounding the Sixers was regarding Ben Simmons.
Simmons had officially requested a trade over the offseason and cut off all communication with the team.
Sixers’ GM Daryl Morey made his stance abundantly clear that he would not deal Simmons for less than his value dictated.
Because of these hard stances taken by both parties, Simmons would not get moved until the trade on February 10 – 54 games into the season for Philadelphia.
There was no lack of drama during that time either.
Simmons was constantly being fined by the team for withholding services.
While Simmons’ team was constantly trying to recoup that money by saying their client’s mental health made it impossible for him to play.
For most teams dealing with a trade demand by a star player, it can be a death sentence.
Team chemistry disintegrates, players’ minds are focused on anything but basketball, and a talented player is missing from the roster.
Embiid did not let that happen.
Early on in his career, Embiid admitted he was not much of a leader.
But leadership is just another display of his growth in the league.
Exclusive: How The drama brought out the best in @JoelEmbiid
“As a competitor, I also like the challenge that was presented in front of me to just go out and see if I could do it, see if I could play extremely well,” Embiid told me.https://t.co/YqLIK9UVlt
— Melissa Rohlin (@melissarohlin) April 4, 2022
Through it all, Embiid willed the Sixers to a 32-22 record, good for fourth in the Eastern Conference at the time.
And before James Harden ever suited up for Philadelphia, they were 35-23 and in third place.
For 58 games of the 2021-22 NBA season, the 76ers had a $31.6 million distraction on their roster.
Embiid ensured the team did not fall apart and instead, seemed to develop a closer bond than ever before.
His off-court impact on this team is just as valuable as his on-court impact.
2. Defensive Anchor
Very few players in the league can legitimately classify themselves as two-way stars.
True two-way stars are just as valuable on defense as they are on offense.
Joel is one of those two-way stars.
His offensive game will be discussed soon, but his defense truly sets him apart from his peers.
Embiid averages 1.5 blocks (8th) and 1.1 steals per game (40th) – one of seven players to average at least one of each per game this year.
His +1.9 Defensive Estimated +/- ranks in the 93rd percentile and opponents shoot 6.6% worse at the rim when Embiid is the defender.
Point to almost any defensive stat or metric, basic or advanced, and Embiid is sure to be near the top.
But watching him play tells the full story.
Joel Embiid's defense has been otherworldly this year, best I've seen from him during the regular season since his rookie season pic.twitter.com/kQzDl5TbH4
— Jackson Frank (@jackfrank_jjf) December 6, 2021
His impact, like all great defensive centers, is not always seen directly.
Because Embiid is such a force defensively, it can make his teammates better as well.
Knowing Joel is lurking in the paint can give his teammates the confidence to play slightly more aggressively on the perimeter.
This can lead to more steals or turnovers and a less efficient shot selection.
Running offensive players off the three-point line would typically mean more shots at the rim.
But once they see Embiid waiting for them in drop coverage, players will typically settle for a mid-range jump shot.
Embiid’s presence alone is enough to keep offensive players out of the paint.
But his talent is what makes them regret venturing near the basket.
Embiid is known to take a few possessions off from time to time to save his energy for the offensive end.
But it is a treat to watch him play defense when fully engaged.
1. Elite Offensive Player
As much as Embiid’s defensive prowess sets him apart, his offensive game makes him a superstar.
The things he can accomplish as a 7-foot, 280-pound center seemingly defies the laws of physics.
His ball-handling ability and body control are incredible to watch.
He has the size to body smaller defenders in the paint but the skill to take bigger defenders off the dribble.
Embiid shoots 49.3% from the field on 19.5 field goal attempts per game.
He knocks down 36.8% of his 3.7 three-point attempts per game.
And 81.7% of his league-leading 11.8 free throw attempts per game.
Some call him a “foul merchant”, but he is simply too big, too strong, and too skilled to be defended and not fouled.
Drawing fouls is also a skill that can be mastered – an annoying skill, but a skill nonetheless.
His 37.1 Usage Percentage is second in the league only to Luka Doncic while his 61.3% True Shooting ranks 23rd.
Once known for not being able to handle double teams, Embiid now punishes them.
The NBA has released their latest scoring title tracker:
1) LeBron James (30.27)
2) Joel Embiid (30.20)
3) Giannis Antetokounmpo (30.08)👀
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) April 4, 2022
He now makes the quick pass out to begin swinging the ball to an open teammate.
Or he attacks the defense before the double can even come.
His 3.1 turnovers per game match a career-low while his Turnover Percentage of 11.1% is a personal best.
Embiid has constantly been seen directing teammates on offense this season, displaying his new command on that side of the ball.
And his new career-high of 4.2 assists per game backs up what is seen on the court.
Embiid has tapped into that vast potential displayed six years ago.
And his two-way dominance and off-court impact make him this year’s MVP.
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