Joel Embiid Bar Higher Than Expected

Nov 21, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) along with forward Ersan Ilyasova (7) and guard T.J. McConnell (1) and forward Robert Covington (33) talk during a break in action against the Miami Heat in the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 101-94. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) along with forward Ersan Ilyasova (7) and guard T.J. McConnell (1) and forward Robert Covington (33) talk during a break in action against the Miami Heat in the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 101-94. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Philadelphia 76ers rookie center Joel Embiid has played just 18 Games. But in 18 games, his production is far higher than many thought possible

Rookie center Joel Embiid has played in just 18 NBA games this season out of the possible 27 games played by the Philadelphia 76ers.  While that is merely two of three, it’s been enough to keep Joel Embiid’s development on a sharp incline.

In fact, his development has been more impressive than even Embiid’s staunchest supporters had hoped for. Wasn’t this the player who sat on the NBA bench for two consecutive seasons while rehabbing his two-times surgery right foot?  Wasn’t this the young man who had just under one year of NCAA competition basketball as a University of Kansas Jayhawk?  Wasn’t this the young man whose basketball experience was too shallow for many scouts to fully endorse him as a bona fide prospect who could be the cornerstone to an NBA franchise?

Yes. In fact, yes yes and yes.

It’s a testimony to the basketball instincts of former president Sam Hinkie.   Despite the enormous cost of patience, time and energy, Hinkie was resolute in the belief that Embiid was worth the effort.

I hope he was able to see the game against the Brooklyn Nets.