The Sixer Sense
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Is Joel Embiid ready to lead these Philadelphia 76ers?

By 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 3: Robert Covington
PHILADELPHIA, PA – JANUARY 3: Robert Covington /

Lead by example

Now, let’s ground all of this social media chatter to the reality of the game. It all begins and ends on the basketball court. If Joel Embiid does not show up in such a way that propels the imagination of fans, coaches, and executives to flirt with visions of championships won on his back, it is all for naught.

Social media takes on a life of its own. To lead a team, that honor is bestowed by backing up what you say on the basketball court.  After an embarrassing loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves early in the 2016-2017 season 110-86, Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid said the team would win the next meeting.

Embiid turns spotlight to teammate

The next contest nearly went into overtime, but Joel Embiid set a high screen as time ran out which gave Robert Covington the opportunity to shoot the buzzer-beater for the win. Embiid, with 25 points in that January 3, 2017 contest, showed the most important aspect of leadership.

He shined the spotlight on a teammate in need, Robert Covington.  Covington struggled for much of that game at 4-14 from the floor, including 1-9 shooting from three-point range. But Embiid never hesitated.  January 2017 turned out rather successful for the team.

Next: Philadelphia 76ers can win games if Joel Embiid limited playing minutes

So we can discuss or debate the true leader of this team.  But there is no question in the minds of teammates like Dario Saric, T.J. McConnell, Robert Covington, or Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot.  Joel Embiid leads. And they will follow that lead wherever it takes them.

Can Joel Embiid lead this team all the way to the playoffs? Well NBA, ready or not, here they come.