The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Philadelphia 76ers Will Vacate NBA Basement This Season

By Bret Stuter

Mar 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown argues a call with referee Lauren Holtkamp (7) during the fourth quarter of the game against the Brooklyn Nets at the Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 95-89. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown argues a call with referee Lauren Holtkamp (7) during the fourth quarter of the game against the Brooklyn Nets at the Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 95-89. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 30, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid practices before a game against the Golden State Warriors at Wells Fargo Center. The Golden State Warriors won 108-105. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 30, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid practices before a game against the Golden State Warriors at Wells Fargo Center. The Golden State Warriors won 108-105. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Joel Enforcer

The only unknown aspect about Joel Embiid is the level of his NBA play after over two years on the sidelines. While we’ve been entertained by his humor on social media, we’ve found hope for better times by occasional workout video reminders of his potential.

Lost in the shuffle is the man’s competitive spirit. In an article from June 2016, we explored his competitive nature and found it to be a huge strength.  Joel Embiid likes to win.  But moreso, he hates to fail. For two years, he has been trolled and reminded that he has not played in a single NBA game.

That ends this season.

Subtle though it may seem, Joel Embiid is very much family to this Philadelphia 76ers organization. For two years he has been cared for, nurtured back to health. In some aspect, Sam Hinkie’s dismissal was attributable to selecting Joel Embiid with the third pick of the 2014 NBA draft, a fact that was not lost to Embiid.

To say that Joel Embiid is a little peeved right now may be overstating the point, but this is not some jovial carefree young man either. He’s been gnawing at the bit for two years. Embiid has watched those who helped him out suffer dismissal.  He’s been taunted about his lack of play.

He’s ready.

He will be more than a poster child of these Philadelphia 76ers. The team will need a player to impose his will on the opponent. Someone who can dominate on offense and defense.  Joel Embiid is that player who will step up and be the team’s enforcer.

Next: Earn Wins