The Sixer Sense
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Joel Embiid is built for the small ball era

By Christopher Kline

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 20: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers handles the ball during a game against the Portland Trail Blazers on January 20, 2017 at the 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 - JANUARY 20: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers handles the ball during a game against the Portland Trail Blazers on January 20, 2017 at the 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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Despite standing at 7-foot-2, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid‘s physical tools and skill set are tailor made for success in the NBA’s small ball era.

The small ball era has ushered out the importance of centers in the modern NBA. The bulk of quality talent remaining in free agency is at the center spot, as names like Nerlens Noel still don’t have a contract offer in place. Teams don’t need bigs like they once did, and the effects of that stylistic trend can stretch to even the best at the position.

Philadelphia 76ers
Philadelphia 76ers /

Philadelphia 76ers

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid, however, hasn’t felt those ill-effects.

In a league that preaches mobility and versatility, Embiid is uniquely gifted at 7-foot-2. He has the hulking size of a traditional five, but his physique allows him to keep pace with lineups that are much smaller. He boasts all skills needed to excel in today’s league, and those were on full display during his 31-game tear last season.

Embiid emerged as one of, if not the, best defenders in the league during his time on the floor last season. He averaged 2.5 blocks per game while operating under a hefty minutes restriction, while his ability to switch screens and cover ground out to the perimeter allowed him to alter shots and deter dribble drives like few bigs his size can.

His inordinate blend of size and mobility allows him to stick with smaller, quicker players off of drives, while also making quick recoveries and rotations. He doesn’t need much time to cover a lot of ground, and that gives the opposition and inherent sense of unease when driving the lane on a player of his defensive caliber.

That ability to cover ground defensively is what’s holding many centers back nowadays. Those who are slow-footed, get beat in the pick-and-roll and can’t stay with guards off of switches are torn apart by modern offenses, and that in turn limits their utility — regardless of their offensive talent.

Embiid’s repertoire on offense meshes with the modern trends as well. He has the size and footwork needed to bruise smaller defenders on the interior, but stretches the floor with a legitimate 3-point shot and can create for himself in isolation as well. He’s a killer pick-and-roll mate, and brings the versatility needed to keep the offense flowing, rather than black-holing it a la Jahlil Okafor.

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A mobile defender and a versatile offensive piece — whose feel for the game and general awareness is still improving, to boot — is exactly what teams need, and is exactly why Embiid holds so much value in a league that seems to be moving away from bigs of his stature.

Joel has underwent a meniscus tear and two offseasons characterized by foot surgeries and grueling rehab, yet still seems to move better than almost every big man his size. Those kind of physical gifts are rare, and are what make Embiid such an elite prospect in a Brett Brown system that is predicated on movement offensively and malleability defensively.

The Sixers have a very real shot at the playoffs next season, and Embiid is a major part of that. He’s not only an elite defender, but one of the best offensive fives in the league. Should his current developmental curve continue — barring further injury — it may not be long until he’s considered the best five in the league.

Next: Why Dario Saric will make such a great sixth man

As such a dominant talent with such peerless athleticism at 7-foot-2, Embiid is continuing to define the very success of The Process. He’s a basketball anomaly who’s thriving in a league that wouldn’t embrace him otherwise. We’re witnessing the development of a legitimately special, potentially transcendent talent — and Sixers fans should be excited above all else.