The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Is Joel Embiid ready to lead these Philadelphia 76ers?

Bret Stuter|
PHILADELPHIA, PA - NOVEMBER 27: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on prior to the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Wells Fargo Center on November 27, 2016 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 - NOVEMBER 27: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on prior to the game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at Wells Fargo Center on November 27, 2016 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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PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 11: Nerlens Noel
PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 11: Nerlens Noel

Enlightened Despot

But even more importantly, he speaks up for his teammates. He tells the world that a 10 win team yet to hit a winning streak is playoff capable. Then, the team delivers a January 2017 to back him up.

Bill Simmons 'guarantees' Knicks will have one of three stars by next year
Bill Simmons 'guarantees' Knicks will have one of three stars by next year

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    • But the moment which crystallized Joel Embiid’s significance to team executives, coaching staff, and teammates was the way he inserted himself during the controversy over Nerlens Noel and the team. Others tried. Elton Brand tried to play peace maker. He failed.

    As you recall, Nerlens Noel was quite frustrated with the time allocations at center, and allowed that frustration to become public.  He removed himself from the rotation and opted to elective surgery, placing a huge burden on the coaching staff, already constrained by limited playing time for two other centers. The situation was slowly eroding on both sides until Joel Embiid intervened.

    Joel stands up for Noel

    Or rather, Joel endorsed Noel. In a loud, eloquently stated, way:

    The endorsement stood in the midst of emotions and frustrations. As an outsider looking in, I was astonished that a young man in his rookie season could express the sage wisdom of a seasoned veteran.

    Astonished yet. But more. The Philadelphia 76ers needed a true leader. In that singular, undeniable moment, Joel Embiid became that person.