The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Which Philadelphia 76ers Player Emerges First?

By Bret Stuter

Jan 27, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown talks with his team during the fourth quarter of the game against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. The Pistons defeated the 76ers 110-97. Mandatory Credit: Leon Halip-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 27, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown talks with his team during the fourth quarter of the game against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. The Pistons defeated the 76ers 110-97. Mandatory Credit: Leon Halip-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 7, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) reacts against the Utah Jazz during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) reacts against the Utah Jazz during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

Joel Embiid

Joel Embiid sat out from basketball for two years after having a very shallow amount of basketball experience. He was flown to Qatar on two occasions to rehab his foot.  He had two different surgeries.

Can he overcome all of this and ball out for the 76ers?

So far, yes – a resounding yes.

Joel Embiid is on minutes restrictions (he has only played 22.1 minutes per game) as well as a load restriction (he has only played in 70 percent of the games so far).  He is the first half of the two-year-redshirted-rookies-club, a young man who has not had a lifetime of basketball experience to draw upon.

But when he steps onto the court, he demonstrates a complete mastery of the game – in just his first season.  Embiid leads the team in scoring at 18 points per game, rebounds with 7.3 rebounds per game, and blocks with 2.3 blocks per game.

In a “Per 36” view, Embiid is scoring 29.3 points, 11.8 rebounds, 5.1 blocks, 2.9 assists, and 1.3 steals per game. He needs to work on handling the ball (10.5 turnovers per game in 36 mins) as well as his fouling (7.9 fouls per 36).

Even on a bad night, he is a solid performer. But when he is “hot”?  Look out.  He is emerging as an odds on favorite for KIA NBA Rookie of the Year.

Next: Okafor