What should Sixers fans expect from Joel Embiid next season?

Now entering his third playing season for the Philadelphia 76ers, here’s what to expect from Joel Embiid.

After playing in 63 games last season and having a healthy offseason, Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid is in a great position is elevate his game. During his short pro career, Embiid has never had an offseason dedicated to improving his game, he’s always been recovering from various injuries.

Embiid is coming off a season where he averaged 22.9 points, 11 rebounds, 3.2 assists and 1.8 blocks. Furthermore, Embiid shot 48.3 percent from the field, 30.8 percent from three and 76.9 percent from the free-throw line.

The 7-foot-2 center has already claimed he’s aiming to win the MVP award this upcoming season. Perhaps its too early for Embiid to win the prestigious award, but one day he might just win it. Nonetheless, setting lofty goals is always a good thing.

The Good

As we all know by now, Embiid is working out with one of the best personal trainers, Drew Hanlen. Hanlen has molded Embiid into the offensive beast that he is today, and the progression should continue. Embiid’s post moves are exquisite. He’s put an unbelievable amount of effort to master this area of his game.

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When Embiid gets low into the paint, he’s basically unstoppable — he’s too nimble, yet absurdly strong. Additionally, Embiid’s face-up game is just as lethal. The Cameroonian’s quick and high release makes his shot extremely difficult to stop. Moreover, Embiid draws a plethora of fouls in the face-up position. Sometimes its cruel to see players (aka Hassan Whiteside) fall for the same swing move over and over again.

Moreover, Embiid is perhaps the most intimidating defender in the league. It’s a toss up between him and Rudy Gobert. The soon-to-be third year star finished second on the Sixers in defensive real plus-minus with 3.59, behind Robert Covington. The one-time All-Star has the ability to be one of the best defenders in recent memory.

The Bad

On the other hand, it’s fair to say Embiid isn’t anywhere near his ceiling, he’s still got a lot of areas that needs work.

One being his three-point shot. In Embiid’s rookie campaign, he shot a respectable 36.7 percent from three. Embiid, however, took a fairly large step back last season as he shot just 30.8 percent from downtown.

Erratic shot selection was one of the leading causes for the low percentage. Embiid needs to learn what a good three-point shot is, I’m sure that will come as he plays more. After all, Embiid only has 94 NBA games under his belt. Also, Embiid’s outside shooting woes may have been caused by a hand injury that was suffered against the Phoenix Suns.

Next, turnovers. For the first half of the season, Embiid was very prone to turning over the ball. He did, however, improve as the season went on. It was more of a case of adjusting to getting double teamed almost every time he touched the ball down low in the post. With more experience, the turnovers will decrease. Embiid has a very high basketball I.Q., this part of his game is just a learning process.

What to Expect?

With a fully healthy offseason, now a seasoned pro and a year older, Embiid could make a big leap. The progression of Ben Simmons will only aid the production from Embiid. Also with the 76ers failing in their pursuit of a star player, the load will once again be on the shoulder of Embiid.

Next: Grading the Muscala trade for all three teams

Potential Stat-line:

25 PPG, 13 RPG, 4 APG, 2 BPG, 48 FG%, 35 FG3%, 78 FT%