Sam Hinkie Understood Joel Embiid Held Team Future

Oct 8, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers general manager Sam Hinkie (R) talks with chief executive officer Scott O
Oct 8, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers general manager Sam Hinkie (R) talks with chief executive officer Scott O
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Nov 21, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) reacts as time winds down on a victory against the Miami Heat at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 101-94. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) reacts as time winds down on a victory against the Miami Heat at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 101-94. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Doubting Thomas No More

Joel Embiid said he was ready for the NBA, and in just his first ten NBA games of his lifetime, has convinced even his biggest doubters that he is. In fact, despite the high expectations from the fans who salivated at the stream of workout videos, he may be better than advertised.

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

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  • In fact, in just ten NBA games, he is delivering far better than expected. At 18.4 points, 7.3 rebounds, 2.3 blocks, 1.1 assists and 0.5 steals per game, he is leading the team in a number of categories.  Only his 3.9 turnovers stand out negatively, but he has been improving in that area, running just 2.0 turnovers in his last three games.  So far, he is doing all of this on just 22.2 minutes per game.

    But while the team is turning the corner now, it is a slow climb out of the valley.  Joel Embiid is just ten games into his NBA career. His teammate, Dario Saric, has 14 games under his belt.  2016 NBA Draft top selection Ben Simmons has yet to play his first NBA game.

    And so, the fans must be patient when all instincts urge impatience.  But Hinkie was not done with this team, as he did not trust the odds of finding two other great players while the team developed Embiid.