The Sixer Sense Roundtable: Joel Embiid First Impressions
By Josh Wilson
It’s really hard to put into words how impactful Joel Embiid has been for the Philadelphia 76ers fans. Let’s start with on the floor stuff, and then transition to the overall charisma that comes along with Embiid.
On the floor, he’s everything we expected him to be and more. Prior to the season starting, I Tweeted that I was not expecting Embiid to come in and even average 10 points per game, just because he hadn’t played competitive basketball in over two years. Given the circumstances with Embiid, if he played 20-plus minutes and only averaged 8 points and 5 rebounds, we shouldn’t have been made. With everything that has happened with Embiid, he has a get out of jail free card.
But with all the sitting from the games, he wasn’t just sitting. The team was working with him, and working on everything that they could besides in-game experience. There are some signs that he needs to play more — him being unaware of surroundings and set plays at times — but for the most part, he has an incredibly solid base skill-set.
The one thing I like the most is his shooting form, something the team extensively worked with him on leading up to the debut of his career.
Despite from Embiid being unaware at times, it really doesn’t matter. There’s a few things he knows how to do well that will help him grow. He knows how to score, knows how to protect the rim, and knows how to shoot.
Now, let’s talk about his charisma, and something I like to call “Philly charm.” Embiid has it.
Allen Iverson, when he played in Philly, carried himself with a lot of swagger. Embiid does the same. He doesn’t carry himself exactly the same way Iverson did, but he is charismatic with the fans, and knows how to get them to like him.
Giving himself the nickname of “The Process,” which was the same name the radical rebuilding process the Sixers fans endured over the last few years, was a big nod to the fans. In a way, he’s saying, “I know what you all went through, and I’m here to save you.”
Save Sixers fans he will, if the rest of his career is anywhere near exciting as the first few games have been.