The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Comparing Philadelphia 76ers 1983 NBA Champs vs. 2018 roster

By Bret Stuter

PHILADELPHIA,PA - MARCH 24 : Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers dunks the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Wells Fargo Center on March 24, 2018 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA,PA - MARCH 24 : Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers dunks the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Wells Fargo Center on March 24, 2018 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA,PA – MARCH 24 : Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers dunks the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Wells Fargo Center on March 24, 2018 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA,PA – MARCH 24 : Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers dunks the ball against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Wells Fargo Center on March 24, 2018 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Center Moses Malone vs. Joel Embiid

The Philadelphia 76ers championship hopes then and now begin at the center position. In fact, the center position has been a recurring theme for the Philadelphia 76ers throughout the team’s history. The Philadelphia 76ers (and predecessor Syracuse Nationals) have won three NBA Championships. The 1954-1955 Syracuse Nationals front man was then 6-foot-9 rookie center Red Kerr. The 1967 Philadelphia 76ers front man was 7-foot-1 Wilt Chamberlain. And the 1983 Philadelphia 76ers found 6-foot-10 center Moses Malone to be the keystone for the team.

Malone dominated in the NBA. In his first year in Philadelphia, he joined the team as a six year veteran. Like Julius Erving, he began in the ABA. His first season with the Philadelphia 76ers was phenomenal. He scored 24.5 points per game, and pulled in 15.3 rebounds to lead the team in both categories. While he could score, he was a huge plus defensively as well. And in post season, his 26.0 points per game led the team.

Similar impact Embiid

Joel Embiid is not a seasoned veteran. But he leads the team in scoring at 22.9 points per game. He also dominates the board, pulling down 11.0 rebounds per game as well.

Right now, Embiid is injured. And the durability of Moses Malone is far superior to Embiid at this early stage of Embiid’s basketball playing career. But Malone had limited shelf life as a Philadelphia 76er. Embiid, for all intents and purposes, will likely be a lifelong player here. And while he is currently injured, he may be the team’s most dangerous player in postseason. He autocorrects. He watches his own videos, watches play of NBA greats, and then emulates what they did in his next game.