The Sixer Sense
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Joel Embiid: “The Process” Play of the Week

By Anthony DePaul

Dec 8, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) blocks a shot by Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The 76ers defeated the Pelicans 99-88. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 8, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Anthony Davis (23) blocks a shot by Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) during the second half of a game at the Smoothie King Center. The 76ers defeated the Pelicans 99-88. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Each week, this feature will give you the most significant offering from Joel Embiid‘s work on the court and its meaning for the Philadelphia 76ers.

JoJo’s Week in Review

During the week of December 5th, the Philadelphia 76ers played four games. Joel “The Process” Embiid only played in two games. JoJo had a very forgettable game against the Denver Nuggets. He still managed 16 points, 4 rebounds and 5 blocks, but it was on a very inefficient 5 of 15 shooting.

Plus, thanks many different looks on double teams and the defensive stylngs of Darrell Arthur of all people, Joel had 3 killer turnovers, a -9 net rating, and overall he looked uncomfortable.

Thursday’s matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans saw him finish a nearly identical stat line (5-15 for 14 points, 7 rebounds, 4 blocks and 3 turnovers). Joel didn’t have to play Jusuf Nurkic and Nikola Jokic, which made a big difference. A plus-36 point difference to be exact.

Omer Asik and Alexis Ajinca were a big drop off. Additionally, Joel made himself a huge presence on switches onto Anthony Davis. Given the small sample size, the block against Anthony Davis makes this week an easy call.

“The Process” Play of the Week

The story around the first “Process” Play of the week writes itself. A rookie start-up, Embiid, imposes his physical will with a block over a former Rookie of the Year. All the while, Anthony Davis, is doing his best Allen Iverson impression by carrying his team with little to no help. Movies have been made with flimsier premises.

More from The Sixer Sense

Advanced statistics and physical tools can be good indicators for whom will be solid defenders at the NBA level. But there are intangible elements that cannot be quantified. In this play, you see them in Joel Embiid. He recognized he can drift off of Asik due to his lack of range and roll over to help on Davis. Then, at the end of the play, you have to marvel at the timing and elevation JoJo gets to reject Davis.

Many articles have already illuminated Joel Embiid’s profound impact on the defensive end. Brett Brown himself has even quoted his on-court defensive stats in interviews. (Talk about progress, am I right?) Being an elite defender takes more than just a 7-5 wingspan.

Joel’s desire to be a defensive force paired with the instincts and timing highlighted in this play will keep the Sixers’ defense competitive for years to come.

The Runner Up

Every bride has a bridesmaid. In this case, for every defensive highlight for “The Process,” there is an offensive one. Although not nearly as marquee, the alley-oop from Sergio Rodriguez underlies an equally important theme in Joel’s game as the block on Davis.

Joel’s skill and versatility on the low block remains undeniable in its beauty and staggering in its progression. But the transition game, which Brett Brown constantly harps on, is perhaps more significant in today’s NBA. During the feed from Rodriguez, Joel instinctively runs ahead of the defenders, calls for the ball and finishes the dunk.

With Ben Simmons as the Sixers’ new floor general later this year or next year, the pace of the Philadelphia 76ers will increase substantially. Desire to get down the floor along with space recognition by Joel will look terrifying for opponents with Ben Simmons running the break.

Next: Embiid and the Updated ROTY Ladder

Joel Embiid displays rare combination of defensive and offensive feel for the game. Man alive, these two plays should scare the rest of the NBA.