The Philadelphia 76ers failed to migrate Jahlil Okafor or Nerlens Noel to Power Forward . But third time is the charm, and Joel Embiid Could Thrive as a Power Forward.
Of the three centers: Joel Embiid, Jahlil Okafor, and Nerlens Noel, Joel Embiid is considered the most athletic of the three. Of the three centers, Joel Embiid is the most “raw”. Of the three centers, Joel Embiid is the player projected to have the greatest upside. And finally, of the three centers, Joel Embiid is rumored to have the easiest time of learning new moves – some claim he can assimilate new basketball moves simply by watching an historic elite player perform on a video tape.
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With all of these characteristics in his favor, why should the team hesitate to train him to play at the power forward position?
The team has already shattered one presumption. Most NBA pundits claimed that the size of Ben Simmons precluded his playing any position other than a power forward role. We asserted that Ben Simmons should play point guard. We’ll let Brett Brown be the tie-breaker. Brett, how do you see Ben Simmons skill-set in this NBA?
Brett Brown sees Ben Simmons as Chris Paul-type point guard https://t.co/5bUiV6v3kY via @phillysport
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) July 7, 2016
In a similar fashion, we are not stuck in the traditional size and weight dictates position for Joel Embiid either. Despite the long absence from organized basketball, the evidence continues to mount that Joel Embiid playing in a center role may not be the ideal fit for his skill set.
Next: More than a Feeling? er.. Center