The Sixer Sense
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Joel Embiid Prepared To Take On The Memphis Grizzlies

By Bret Stuter

Oct 8, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavaliers won 108-105. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 8, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Quicken Loans Arena. The Cavaliers won 108-105. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 6, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Wizards guard Sheldon McClellan (9) attempts to shoot the ball as Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) defends during the first half at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 6, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Washington Wizards guard Sheldon McClellan (9) attempts to shoot the ball as Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) defends during the first half at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

The Next Level

Joel Embiid is walking a path few can navigate. He attracts attention and pressure, using that energy to fuel his own development.  And with each passing game, it appears as though he has already adjusted to challenges from the previous game, and learned to overcome them.

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Now that he has begun to score more consistently, and defend well, the next level will be to engage his teammates.  Passing out of double teams, setting undefendable pick and rolls, pulling down a rebound and starting a fast break. These are all areas Joel Embiid must perfect to achieve elitism.

In short, his aura must extend to his teammates.

So what will that mean in his game against the Memphis Grizzlies?  Look for his game to ratchet up a level.  That means he will add something new to his game: whether steal, assist, passing out of double teams, or driving the ball to the hoop coast-to-coast.  Joel Embiid is building himself, taking his flaws from previous games and converting those deficiencies into strengths.

Regardless of what we say about Joel Embiid, positive or negative, he is on course now.  A close friend and brilliant mentor brought him into the NBA as the third pick of the 2014 NBA Draft, when his skills and talent earned his selection as the top pick.  But his foot, and his prospects, were broken.  Only Sam Hinkie had the patience to heal both for Embiid.

Next: Why Not Looking at Jamal Murray Could Be the 76ers’ Largest Regret

And much like a broken bone, his NBA outlook is now stronger for it.