The Sixer Sense
Fansided

Sixers going all-in on young core

By Ben Wieland

CAMDEN, NJ - SEPTEMBER 25: Ben Simmons #25, Joel Embiid #21 and Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers pose for the camera during the Philadelphia 76ers Media Day on September 25, 2017 at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex in Camden, New Jersey.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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
CAMDEN, NJ - SEPTEMBER 25: Ben Simmons #25, Joel Embiid #21 and Markelle Fultz #20 of the Philadelphia 76ers pose for the camera during the Philadelphia 76ers Media Day on September 25, 2017 at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex in Camden, New Jersey.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 Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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BOSTON, MA – MAY 9: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during Game Five of the Eastern Conference Second Round of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden on May 9, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA – MAY 9: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during Game Five of the Eastern Conference Second Round of the 2018 NBA Playoffs at TD Garden on May 9, 2018 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Joel Embiid

Embiid is an enigma of a player. Sometimes, when the mid-range jumper is falling and the ball is moving, Embiid is unstoppable. But sometimes, Embiid turns into a Dwight Howard-esque black hole offensively — ball goes in, turnovers come out. JoJo’s dirty secret is that he’s not an extremely dominant offensive player.

Of course, part of this is because Embiid is the last true post-up center. Only 30 percent of Embiid’s buckets were assisted this season. Compare this to Capela’s 90 percent, KAT’s 60 percent, and even the post up wizard himself: Anthony Davis‘s 45 percent. But the fact remains that Embiid might look like Hakeem sometimes, but he can play like more of a LaMarcus Aldridge.

No, Embiid’s value lies defensively. The most impressive thing about Embiid’s defense isn’t his ridiculous blocks/attempts defended ratio (second in the league) or his on-off defensive ratings with the rest of the roster. The thing that makes Joel stand above Anthony Davis and Kevin Durant and other Defensive Player of the Year pretenders is his deterrence effect.

Only two players in the NBA deter more than five shots at the rim per 100 possessions: Rudy Gobert and Joel Embiid. If Embiid can figure out consistent offense, he’ll be a menace on both sides of the ball.

Improvements Needed:

  • Offensive consistency
  • Post efficiency
  • Stamina
  • Defending the perimeter (at least against Aron Baynes)