5. C Joel Embiid
Embiid is slotted here due to the simple fact that he hasn’t played in a competitive match since 2014. The former Kansas stud and third overall pick is set to make his NBA debut this season after two years of a nagging foot injury that have kept him sidelined as Sam Hinkie’s process evolved. With an incredible two-way skill set that would’ve likely rendered him the top pick if he wasn’t injured entering the draft, there’s no reason why Embiid can’t make his way substantially up this list with time and a solid first campaign.
Despite being relatively new to the game during his sole season with the Jayhawks, Embiid’s fluidity on the offensive end was always highly impressive. He has an arsenal of post moves that has the potential to rival that of some of the league’s most prolific offensive centers, while his significant strides from a physical perspective during his rehab only put him in a better scenario.
He’s agile around the basket to an extent that most players his size aren’t, and has a quick dribble that allows him to get to the basket and make a move on the block with impressive precision. While he hasn’t done much of anything against legitimate competition at this point in his NBA career, the sheer fluidity of his movement he has showcased during his tenure on the sidelines has been extremely promising for somebody coming off of major surgery.
Alongside his scoring touch around the basket, Embiid has shown some flashes off being able to step out in pick-and-pop situations and knock down spot-up jumpers from midrange. While he’s not somebody who’s ready to be relied on for shooting by any stretch, his ability to get out of the paint and still produce in some manner is something that should bode well for his standing in a crowded frontcourt.
With that said, perhaps the most important aspect of Embiid’s production with the Sixers will rely on his defensive prowess. He was an elite rim protector during his colleigiate stay, and given the explosiveness he has shown in recent videos, still seems to be perfectly capable of getting off the ground. If he’s able to step in and produce in heavy minutes, his defensive capabilities could make a Nerlens Noel trade much more palatable for both the front office and fans alike– even if it’s not quite that caliber.
Embiid has the offensive potential of a Jahlil Okafor with a much more capable approach to the game on the defensive end, it’s truly a matter of just how sturdy his health situation is once he comes back. If he’s able to get back onto the court and continue adding to his game without being dragged down by persistant foot problems, there’s still ample potential for Embiid to be an excellent NBA player at the five spot, not to mention one of the better players in Philly.
Next: 4. Okafor