4. He will make All-NBA first team
Last season, Embiid was relegated to All-NBA second team despite a strong mid-season push. Some might chalk it up to injury, as he ended up playing just 63 games after a freak collision sidelined him for the season’s last eight games.
Assuming he stays healthy and avoids contact with Markelle Fultz’s shoulder next season, Embiid should be well-positioned for a run at All-NBA first team. The Sixers will compete in the Eastern Conference, likely pushing the 50-win mark once again.
Assuming Embiid becomes more efficient, his scoring with improve and his passing stats will get a slight bump. JoJo showed flashes of brilliance passing out of the post last season, but he’s working on making that a reliable facet of his game this summer.
Only a handful of players totaled a higher usage percentage than Embiid last season. He’s a genuinely elite talent on both ends, displaying a diverse repertoire on offense and anchoring one of the league’s best defenses.
Embiid will take another step forward in 2018-19, establishing himself as the undisputed top center in the NBA (depending on where you classify Anthony Davis, of course). It’s difficult to emphasize just how meaningful a healthy offseason will be for Embiid’s development.
DeMarcus Cousins will miss time, Karl-Anthony Towns is a defensive liability, and Al Horford won’t put up the stats. First team is a very real possibility next season.