Philadelphia 76ers Not Utilizing Joel Embiid Correctly

Joel Embiid could end up being a once in a generation type of center, however head coach Brett Brown needs to us him correctly in order for that to happen.

After a two years of waiting Philadelphia 76ers fans will finally get to see the promised son in action. Joel Embiid will finally make his way onto the court this season, barring any setbacks. Fans may have high exceptions of the 7 footer and in some areas there should be. For fans that have hoped that Embiid would impact the offensive side of the floor right off the bat should probably not hold their breath.

"“In the early days of the pre-season, the Sixers have spent a good deal of time drilling pick-and-roll schemes. As a result, the big men have been asked to do more screen-setting, with the bulk of their touches coming away from the block, rather than in the low post.”"

The quote above is straight from a training camp post that can be found on the Philadelphia 76ers home page. Now some may wonder why this could not be good for Embiid’s offensive game? Yes this does fit with head coach Brett Brown‘s offensive philosophy, and allow for Embiid’s mid-range, as well as, face-up game to flourish. Brown’s system might work for Embiid like it did for Jahlil Okafor before him. It would be great if it does, however it will more than likely slow down his offensive development. Okafor was more offensively polished during his rookie season then Embiid is now, so Okafor could adjust to playing away from the low post. That is not the argument here. Embiid needs at least half of his touches to come on the low block, in order for him to become the dangerous two way center everyone expects his to be.

Embiid was a monster on the low block during his limited days at Kansas. This was one of the main reasons why Embiid was considered a top draft pick. Once Embiid gets accustomed to the NBA there is no reason why he could not become the next best low post player in NBA history. Brown needs to find a way for Embiid to get more low post touches. One possible solution is to have Embiid to roll to the block once he sets the pick. Brown is doing one thing right in using Embiid.

Brown is molding Joel Embiid into the defensive anchor of the team. Based on his on frame alone there should be no reason why Embiid cannot impact the game defensively. Brown has been pushing first defense to Embiid. Luckily for fans and the coaching staff a like, Embiid wants to make a difference on defense. Embiid has always seen himself as a defensive player first. This is a good mindset for Embiid. With the offense not being perfect for his playing style and the natural rust that he has to knock off, maybe a defense first mind set would not be bad for Embiid. It takes off pressure to produce offensively right away and allows him to develop it naturally verses force feeding development.

Next: Stauskas Praying Third Time Is The Charm

Take into consideration that Embiid recently healed from a reoccuring foot injury. As a person who went through an ACL recovery, I can attest to post moves being easier to do than facing up once fully recovered. Posting up is a skill that requires muscle memory. It does require more twist and turns which could cause damage if one is not fully recovered, but it is also feels more natural even if you are being defended. Regardless of the type of offensive ran, fans are just happy to see Embiid on the floor and healthy.