Who’s better: Joel Embiid or Ben Simmons?
The fact that Philadelphia 76ers fans are already having this conversation is a testament to just how special Ben Simmons is — and just how good Joel Embiid already was.
While we can’t definitively say The Process worked, the basic premise has already come to fruition. The goal was to add transcendent young talent that was only obtainable through the draft, and Sam Hinkie — in the form of Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons — has irrefutably done so.
While Hinkie is no longer with the team, Embiid and Simmons have brought a sense of hope that some Philadelphia 76ers fans weren’t sure they’d get out of this rebuild. One has placed himself into the conversation for best big man in the league, while the other could legitimately be the greatest rookie of all-time.
Those aren’t labels to throw around lightly.
With that talent comes a debate that not too many people saw coming. After Embiid’s stellar run last year, many expected him to run away as the Sixers’ foremost cornerstone. Joel being the team’s best player seemed like a foregone conclusion, and nobody saw Simmons forcing anyone to believe otherwise.
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16 games into the 2017-18 season, that couldn’t be further from the truth.
Bleacher Report posed the question we’ve all been thinking: Who’s the Sixers’ most important cornerstone? Both Embiid and Simmons have shown they’re special talents, and it’s the kind of layered, nuanced debate that’s sure to eat up basketbal analysts nationwide.
In many ways, this comes down to personal preferences. Embiid is a physical anomaly with a near-unequaled two-way presence. Simmons is one of the most skilled playmakers in the league, combining insane athleticism and a high basketball I.Q. to overcome his lacking jumper.
Both are All-Star locks at this point, and seemed primed to lead the Sixers into the playoffs — where, in their current state, they’re far from a pushover.
If we’ve evaluating based on this season alone, it’s tough to go against Simmons. Embiid’s peak — as evidenced in L.A. — has been higher, but Simmons’ consistency can’t be understated. We’re still watching Embiid work through some turnover and decision making issues around the basket, whereas Simmons’ decision making has been nothing short of fantastic in the early going.
Simmons’ scoring has improved as well. He’s absorbing contact and finishing at the rim, rather than leaning almost entirely on short-range floaters. We’ve also seen how skilled his is defensively, using his size and lateral quickness to effectively defend across the positional spectrum.
Embiid, on the other hand, still holds the clear upperhand defensively. His rim protection can single-handedly alter opposing game plans, while no other 7-foot-2 beheamoths can cover grond as well as he can.
Offensively, even with some rough spots, Embiid remains extremely effective as well. His size and fluidity makes him a foul magnet, as well as a virtually un-defendable force around the rim. He can step around slower defenders, power through smaller ones and straight-up outplay just about everyone in between.
Simmons and Embiid’s chemistry, however, is what has made their growth so impressive. They both look like potential MVP candidates long term, yet play together extremely well. Embiid can find room off of Simmons’ gravity, while Embiid’s versatility gives Simmons an easy safety valve at every turn.
There’s a real debate with regards to which player is the best cornerstone, but it doesn’t matter for the Sixers. They’re on the same team, and their on-court harmony is something that normally takes years to develop.
Next: Joel Embiid is helping the Sixers come together
The Sixers have it down in 16 games.