The Sixer Sense
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Philadelphia 76ers: Joel Embiid at the NBA Africa Game

By Jason Blevins

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 2: Andre Drummond of the Detroit Pistons, Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers, and DeMarcus Cousins of the New Orleans Pelicans takes part in the Jr. NBA Special Olympics clinic as part of Basketball Without Borders Africa at the American International School of Johannesburg on August 2, 2017 in Gauteng province of Johannesburg, South Africa. 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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA - AUGUST 2: Andre Drummond of the Detroit Pistons, Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers, and DeMarcus Cousins of the New Orleans Pelicans takes part in the Jr. NBA Special Olympics clinic as part of Basketball Without Borders Africa at the American International School of Johannesburg on August 2, 2017 in Gauteng province of Johannesburg, South Africa. 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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid was back on his home continent representing the NBA in the Basketball without Borders, NBA Africa mission, lets look at some highlights.

While Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid did not play in the NBA Africa Game, he did take part in most of the drills, camps and social events. I fairly consistently refer to Joel Embiid as a national treasure. What I think I forget is that he may eventually mean even more to an entire continent. We are talking about a guy who is funny in multiple languages, has an infectious smile and a larger than life personality.

Andrew Drummond starred, leading team world to a 108-97 victory. Drummond scored 14 points to go along with 13 rebounds. Victor Oladipo was the game’s MVP, scoring 28 points in a losing cause. You have to think that if Embiid had played the matchup and likely outcome would have been very different. Drummond would be at a significant disadvantage in height and in a friendly game his rebounding dominance would have been difficult to acheive against the 7-foot-2 Embiid.

Aside from that, Embiid likely would have brought an energy to the arena that we have seen many times here in Philadelphia. You have to consider that the reason for his comments about not being cleared for five-on-five is due to the excitement and his competitive nature putting him at risk of playing recklessly for fans who would make him want to play all out in an otherwise low-intensity exhibition.

It’s a quick glance, but how infectious is that smile?

How bad does JoJo want to block these kids shots right now?

Philadelphia, somehow we have gained an ambassador who represents the city, our country and the world in such a unique way.

If Healthy

The common narrative around Joel Embiid is “if healthy”. I think its time to recognize his impact in our relationship with basketball, our city and our world.

Next: Roundtable: What does the Process mean to you?

To me, “if healthy” is simply the difference between a remarkable person and a game changing talent. We should all be thankful to have someone with his spirit, humor and genuinely unbridled joy in our lives.