Philadelphia 76ers: What a healthy offseason means for Joel Embiid

This is the big man’s first healthy offseason with the Philadelphia 76ers.

Since entering the NBA in 2014, Joel Embiid has been subject to foot, back and knee issues. More often than not, 7-foot-2 human beings don’t handle those injuries well, especially when experiencing some form of all three.

Yet here we are, two seasons (and four years) in the former No. 3 pick’s career. He already has one All-Star game under his belt, and many would argue he should have two. He was runner-up for Defensive Player of the Year last season and appeared on the All-NBA second team.

Especially with the uncertainty surrounding DeMarcus Cousins and his injury, many would consider Embiid the best center in the NBA. He has played a grand total of 102 career games, including eight in the playoffs.

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All of that, and Embiid hasn’t had one healthy offseason at the NBA level. That isn’t normal.

Embiid is a generational talent in every way. He’s one of the eight or so best defenders on the planet. He’s an elite offensive threat, blending advanced footwork, soft shooting touch and physical dominance in a way few players ever have.

Without participating in a full practice schedule, and without experiencing a 100-percent healthy offseason regimen, Embiid has built himself into one of the most dominant two-way forces in the league. I wouldn’t go this far, but some have already dubbed him the best player in the East.

In short, Embiid has been special under less-than-ideal conditions. His ability to process information and add to his game has been unprecedented. He’s liable to break out a new move on any given night, watching film and quickly building on his already-impressive scoring repertoire.

And now, for the first time in his career, the 24-year-old is healthy. During the offseason.

Embiid has been able to spend the entire summer training with Drew Hanlen, the skills coach who turned Jayson Tatum into a rookie sensation and might end up saving Markelle Fultz from three-point purgatory.

One of Embiid’s biggest issues last season was his efficiency. His three-point percentage dipped, something he has undoubtedly been working on this summer. He can also work on adding even more variety to his gaggle of post moves while becoming more proficient off the dribble.

As Embiid improves his skill level, he should be better equipped to handle double teams as well. Being able to recognize double teams and make quick decisions is something Embiid struggled with last season. Fixing that issue would help him unlock that next level offensively.

Perhaps the most important part of Embiid’s offseason, however, will be his conditioning. Embiid has never been in peak physical condition, which is astounding when you consider just how impressive his last two seasons have been.

With limited practice schedules and long injury stints, the big fella just hasn’t been able to get into the best shape possible. He often seemed gassed during certain stretches last season, especially during back-to-backs.

Expect that to change next season. Embiid has been able to spend the summer in the gym, shedding excess weight and packing on even more muscle. There’s reason to believe Embiid will be in the best shape of his career once next season rolls around.

JoJo has already inserted his name into the 2018-19 MVP conversation, and that isn’t entirely far-fetched. He’s an elite defender who will put up big numbers, both in points and rebounds. The Philadelphia 76ers will also be competing for the top spot in the conference.

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A lot of the improvements he makes next season will be influenced by the amount of on-court work he puts in this summer — a luxury that hasn’t been available in years past.