Luke Skywalker: Joel Embiid
If Sam Hinkie is Yoda, then Luke Skywalker MUST be Joel Embiid. Both Yoda and Obi Wan Kenobi mentored Luke Skywalker in the ways of the force. And as such, he became the first true Jedi Knight to appear since Darth Vader slaughter the trainees. And as such, he armed himself against the onslaught of the Sith.
His was not a path of complete dominance over the Sith. He grew his powers to a point where he became confident in his first encounter. That encounter, though it saved his friends, cost Luke his hand and entrapped his friend Hans Solo in a state of suspended animation.
Joel Embiid embodies The Process
Joel Embiid embodies The Process. It is he who became the player deemed strongest in NBA skills, a player who was hidden from the NBA empire for two seasons as he surgically repaired his foot, learned proper motion at Aspetar Clinic, and arose to become the most recognizable name and face on the Philadelphia 76ers team.
As significant as Luke Skywalker has been to the Star Wars movies, Joel Embiid is just as significant to the Philadelphia 76ers. He continues to perform at levels that exceed expectations. Both offensively and defensively, he is the champion of the team in terms of pure talent and production. His training for the NBA consisted of over two years time. But at his debut, he raised eyebrows with his ability to not only score, but to defend the NBA basket. While Star Wars: The Last Jedi will fill your social calendars with checking out the new cinematic chapter of the Jedi Order, you have another option.
Next: Revisiting the Sixers’ top 10 players
The Philadelphia 76ers are equally strong in The Force, but in their case they refer to it as The Process. And while you must wait for a new Star Wars movie for several years, the 76ers defend the universe 82 times a year. Coming to an NBA stadium near you.