The Sixer Sense
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The Best Non-Athletic Quality for Each Philadelphia 76ers Player

By Lucas Johnson

Dec 14, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) and forward Nerlens Noel (M) and forward Ben Simmons (R) during a timeout in the second half against the Toronto Raptors at Wells Fargo Center. The Toronto Raptors won 123.114. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) and forward Nerlens Noel (M) and forward Ben Simmons (R) during a timeout in the second half against the Toronto Raptors at Wells Fargo Center. The Toronto Raptors won 123.114. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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NBA: Minnesota Timberwolves at Philadelphia 76ers
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Centers

Joel Embiid is just amazing. The season he is having has already ranked him as one of the top five centers in the league. He is ranked one of the best while on a minutes restriction. Embiid has so many non-physical gifts. We could talk about his smooth jump shot or his ability to defend the paint. His defensive presences is certainly something to be admired, but still half of what he can do on defense is based on physical gifts.

Honestly there has slowly been a culture change in Philadelphia that started when Embiid jump balled against Steven Adams of the Oklahoma City Thunder on opening night. With that in mind, he has brought back enthused basketball back to Philly for the first time since Allen Iverson did during his heyday. It is more than a hope that Embiid represents, but rather a revelation of “The Process ” set fourth by former general manager Sam Hinkie. Yes, the man was far from perfect, but he got the team Joel Embiid and made the team so bad to allow current Colangelo to select Ben Simmons with the first overall pick. Embiid most unique none athletic attribute is that he is now become Philadelphia basketball.

Nerlens Noel is either loved or hated depending on who you ask. Besides adding off court drama to the Sixers, Noel does add plenty for the Sixers on the court. Besides proving to be a steller back up for Embiid, his offense has seemed to improve drastically from last season. Anyone that follows the NBA knows that Noel can defend but it seems this season he is playing smarter overall basketball. Especially on the defensive end he has become especially focused.

Jahlil Okafor has kept a low profile compared to last season. He has not fueled flame to the drama of the big man situation around the franchise, which is great. He has been very patient with the Sixers’ front office during this whole situation. Okafor plays with the same patience on offense. He is very methodical. It is a true characteristic a throwback center. Which would be great if Okafor played 10 to 15 years ago. Now it is more debated if it is a good skill to have, but in the right system it can be deadly.

Richaun Holmes is the forgotten sibling of the Sixers front court dilemma. The second round pick from a season before has not played often, but when he has been a wonderful back up. Back on December 5th, 2016 the Sixers faced off at who against the Denver Nuggets. I witnessed the game in person and one positive aspect that I took away from Holmes’ game was that he has developed a nice floating hook shot he had used against the Nuggets’ front line. Last season he had a defensive presence and this season fans are seeing him develop very rapidly. Besides solid depth at the center position, Holmes can provide high energy plays on both sides of the ball.

Next: Philadelphia 76ers Can Be Third Team in Boston Celtics and Atlanta Hawks in Millsap Trade

The Philadelphia 76ers have a lot of players just ready to work hard and provide enormous contributions on and off the floor. Some players contribute in more subtle ways than others, but make no mistake that the Sixers are making the NBA notice them.