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Embiid or Simmons, Sixers Will Win ROY Award

Jun 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers number one overall draft pick Ben Simmons (R) is greeted by center Joel Embiid (L) during a press conference at the Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers number one overall draft pick Ben Simmons (R) is greeted by center Joel Embiid (L) during a press conference at the Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Whether it is Ben Simmons or Joel Embiid, this season’s Rookie of the Year award will go to a Philadelphia 76ers player.

When the Philadelphia 76ers drafted Ben Simmons with the first overall back in June, they cemented him as an early favorite for the 2016-17 Rookie of the Year award. For Simmons, winning this award won’t come easy as this year’s draft class is loaded with talent with Brandon Ingram, Jaylen Brown and Kris Dunn, among others. Some of these guys have already been turning some heads throughout the NBA Summer League. But perhaps Simmons’ toughest challenger will be his teammate in Sixers 2014 third overall pick, Joel Embiid.

Embiid is finally ready to make his much anticipated NBA debut and Sixers nation along with the rest of the world, is ready to watch. He was sidelined the previous two seasons with a foot injury which makes him still eligible for Rookie of the Year for the 2016-17 season.

We all have heard Ben Simmons draw lofty comparisons to Magic Johnson and NBA superstar, LeBron James. Embiid, on the other hand, has drawn whispers of Hakeem Olajuwon ever since he stepped off the plane from Cameroon.

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According to a report by Ben Cohen of the Wall Street Journal, Embiid didn’t start playing basketball until he was 16 years old. Embiid had a background in volleyball and much like Olajuwon, his soccer background gave him excellent footwork for a man of his size. It didn’t take long before Joel’s potential was discovered and he was highly recruited before deciding that Kansas was his best choice.

It was a thing of beauty to watch Embiid progress as the season went on while at Kansas. As a freshman, he averaged 11.2 points, 8.1 rebounds and 2.6 blocks per game while sporting a 62 percent field goal percentage. Remember, this is just three years after he started playing organized basketball.

Since then, Embiid has actually grown over two inches and put on what looks to be quite a bit of muscle mass. He has also improved his shooting ability and extended his mid-range to become a three-point shooting threat.

It is no doubt that Embiid has the potential to truly become a generational talent in this league. He is constantly improving every aspect of his game and will continue to improve each and every day. Think of the past big men greats like Hakeem Olajuwon and Wilt Chamberlain. Think of Anthony Davis‘s 2014 rookie season. This is what Joel Embiid has the potential to become.

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Somewhere, Sam Hinkie is watching and smiling as he awaits for Joel Embiid to blossom into the NBA star that he recognized when he drafted him. Sixers faithful have high hopes for Embiid and for good reason. While Simmons is still the favorite for Rookie of the Year, Joel Embiid certainly strengthens the case that a 76er will be holding that trophy come May.