Five menu items from Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid

PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 11: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers signs autographs before the game against the Miami Heat on February 11, 2017 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - FEBRUARY 11: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers signs autographs before the game against the Miami Heat on February 11, 2017 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 20: Joel Embiid
PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 20: Joel Embiid

Entree II: 25 points per game average

While it may seem like a huge jump from 20.2 points per game up to 25 points, keep in mind that his duration on the basketball court was capped. With less restrictive caps on his playing time, all of his statistics will rise.

But there is more at work than just upping the ante on playing time. Joel Embiid is one of the most focused NBA players in the modern era. As he plays, he learns, he grows, he develops, he improves.  After an embarrassing lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves on a nationally televised game, Embiid came out to lead the Sixers to victory over that same team.

Scoring leader

At January 2017, he averaged 23.4 points per game and was improving all the time. At that time, the team did not have

Now, the roster has other players who can score. Watch for the impact of J.J. Redick on this team. His play-making will force defenders to choose defending him at the perimeter or Embiid in the paint.  If they choose Embiid, Redick will crush them from the perimeter.

If they choose Redick, Embiid will shine.