Embiid Come and Be Our Wentz

Joel Embiid has the potential to be a Carson Wentz-like player for the Philadelphia 76ers, just like he is doing across the road at the Linc.

Footwork, fundamentals, athletic ability, sports IQ, intangibles: Sound familiar? These are skill sets and general traits that Joel Embiid and Carson Wentz seem to share in the early going.

We knew Wentz had the frame, the size, the athleticism and the arm, but we were waiting to see the gamesmanship and how sharp he was or was not. We were waiting to see his football IQ and intangibles on the field in response to the “big lights.”

Well, he delivered. His impressive first drive in the NFL, albeit against a bad team, consisted of two opening hand off running plays, a hard count to draw the Browns offsides, and then an audible that required a quick read. On blitzes? 8-for-8 completion.

We all noticed not just ability, but a command and fluidity that comes natural with the position. This too, is our hope for Embiid, a player with comparable IQ to match the frame and ability.

Recall that Embiid too is hailed for what does not jump out on paper.

He has had a pro-level game and pro-level approach for some time. Anyone who can master the “Dream Shake” has solid pro-potential.

Tyler R. Tynes has written of Emiid’s game: “[Embiid] has the upside offensively to make a difference, has shown advanced post moves and counter moves as well as a mid-range game, very quick for his size and shows strong shooting mechanics. Has jump hooks with both hands, up-and-under moves, dream shakes, post-spins, solid footwork and drop-steps.”

Embiid brings to the Sixers the attributes of a good teammate. He is a positive person and interacts well with the core group especially well.

Consider Hinkie: “I do believe in being open to our players with where we are. Joel has been in our last few draft workouts,” he said. “They (Noel and Embiid) both worked out [Monday] together and individually. I ask them questions about their old college teammates. I ask them questions about their old high school teammates. I ask them questions about the draft and who they like because I am curious, and because they have better information in some ways.”

Wentz, so far, is giving us a reason to be hopeful in the way I suspect of Embiid. Of course, he will lose his share of games and make plenty of mistakes, but so far, the command at his position looks positive.

Joel Embiid takes his workouts and approach to the game very seriously for a rookie and so does Carson Wentz. Doug Pederson remarked that Wentz prepared for the game like a five-year veteran and understands the game.

must read: Top 10 Sixers Coaches of All Time

Fantasy fans, media pundits, and even some trained in evaluating personnel are smart to point out speed, size, strength, overall ability and skill at the position. But often overlooked is how smart the player is, the sports IQ, and efficiency as a result of intangibles.

Next: Who Will be More Impactful: Embiid or Simmons?

Give the Eagles and Sixers credit here, for seeming to notice with Wentz and Embiid respectively.