The Sixer Sense
Fansided

5 Things We Learned From Philadelphia 76ers Loss To Atlanta Hawks

By Bret Stuter

Oct 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; A Philadelphia 76ers cheerleader performs during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Wells Fargo Center. The Oklahoma City Thunder won 103-97. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; A Philadelphia 76ers cheerleader performs during the second half against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Wells Fargo Center. The Oklahoma City Thunder won 103-97. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 6
Next
Oct 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) punches the back post in reaction to his foul against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Oklahoma City Thunder won 103-97. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) punches the back post in reaction to his foul against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Oklahoma City Thunder won 103-97. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

TOP Takeaway:  Joel Embiid Is the Real Deal

Philadelphia fans endured scolding, beratement, and mis-aimed education for over two years as they have eagerly embraced the potential of their third selection from the 2014 NBA Draft.

But Joel Embiid did not adhere to that logic.  In fact, he has made it a point to remove any tethering of negative thought where he is concerned.

Live Feed

Bill Simmons 'guarantees' Knicks will have one of three stars by next year
Bill Simmons 'guarantees' Knicks will have one of three stars by next year /

Daily Knicks

  • NBA Rumors: Joel Embiid willing to 'ride out' James Harden situation? Sir Charles In Charge
  • NBA rumors: 76ers core willing to mend fences with James Harden FanSided
  • NBA Rumors: Knicks dream target reportedly not considering a trade just yet Daily Knicks
  • 4 Stars the Knicks could swap RJ Barrett for by the trade deadline Daily Knicks
  • 3 Red flags Knicks must consider before going all-in on Joel Embiid trade Daily Knicks

    • Yes, Joel Embiid is beginning the season on minutes restrictions.  Yes the team has lost its two games.  But the performance of newcomer Joel Embiid is undeniably impressive so far.  In fact, Joel Embiid gave another standout performance against the Atlanta Hawks and their all star center Dwight Howard.  Joel Embiid is the real deal, folks.

    Why is he the real deal? He had a year at college as the only source of his organized basketball experience, and then sat for two seasons.  But despite the rust and cobwebs, he has delivered quality center production in his NBA rookie season so far.

    Fans can only speculate at the upside of this team had Jerryd Bayless, Nerlens Noel, or even Ben Simmons been healthy enough to participate alongside Embiid. But with or without help, Embiid has delivered 17.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, 2.0 blocks, .5 assists and .5 steals on an average court presence of just 19 minutes per game.  That converts to NBA All-Star when converted to a 36-minute NBA standard.

    And that is just his first two games as he improves rapidly this season.