The Sixer Sense
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Why Joel Embiid is great

By Daniel Stets

PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 27: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after a made basket against the Houston Rockets at the Wells Fargo Center on January 27, 2017 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. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 27: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after a made basket against the Houston Rockets at the Wells Fargo Center on January 27, 2017 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. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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I discuss why Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid is as good as he is.

Who would’ve thought that Joel Embiid would’ve been as good as he was last year? The former Kansas center was drafted with the third overall pick by Sam Hinkie. Hinkie believed in Embiid’s talent so much that he drafted him even though he had a broken foot.

Embiid then broke his foot for the second straight year.

The fact that Embiid was able to average 20.2 points per game on 58.4 percent true shooting is remarkable. Remember, he did it in only 25.4 minutes per game. It’s not just his offense that was impressive. His defense was amazing too. What exactly does Embiid do that makes him so good?

Rim Protection

Joel Embiid is a 7-foot-2 human being. His size and strength let’s him do things that other centers that don’t have his physical tools can’t.

On this play, Harden puts Embiid in the pick and roll. Harden attempts to try and throw a lob to Capela, but Embiid’s elite size and great instincts allow him to knock down the pass.

https://twitter.com/daniel_stets/status/896089645871529986

Embiid is great at contesting players that try and attack the rim. On this play he blocks the shot without fouling.

Not only is Embiid a great shot blocker, he’s also great at contesting shots at the rim. On this play he forces Fournier to turn the ball over.

Embiid’s Offensive Game

Joel Embiid is a great isolation scorer. He was in the 88.1 percentile in isolation efficiency last year. He also got to the line 7.9 times per game.

Embiid’s size makes it difficult to contest his jump shot. If he can increase his shooting percentage from this spot, he’ll be even tougher to stop next year.

On this play, Embiid fights for position against Capela. He succeeds, finishes at the rim, and draws the foul. Embiid has a height and size advantage against most players, and it shows here.

Lastly, Embiid shot 36.7 percent from three last year. And again, his size makes it difficult to contest his jump shot. I bring up Embiid’s physical tools a lot. These tools are what makes him unique. They enable him to do the things he does on both ends of the court.

Conclusion

Joel Embiid, if he stays healthy, will be an elite center. He is an elite defensive center already. Offensively, Embiid is incredibly tough for a defense to scheme for due to his various skills and his elite physical tools. He is still a bit raw offensively (he needs to cut down on his turnovers). However, Embiid is such a fast learner that I have confidence he will be able too.

Next: Markelle Fultz is the best guard prospect since Kyrie Irving

Let me leave you with this stat. When Joel Embiid was in the court last year, the Philadelphia 76ers had a net rating of 3.2. When Embiid was off the court, the Sixers had a net rating -7.9. If Embiid stays healthy, the Sixers will make the playoffs, and don’t be surprised if they win a series or two.