3. He will average 2+ blocks and 1+ steals
Embiid continued his brilliance on the defensive end last season, making second team All-Defense and finishing runner-up in Defensive Player of the Year voting. He’s the hub of an elite Sixers defense, swallowing drives to the rim and wrecking opposing game plans.
And yet, Embiid’s block and steal totals took a slight hit last season, despite an increase in minutes. He only averaged 1.8 blocks and 0.6 steals per game. Counting stats don’t tell the whole story on defense, but it was odd to see those numbers take a hit.
Next season, expect Embiid to bump those totals back up — potentially to career-high marks. Embiid will only become better on the perimeter next season, using his improved conditioning to survive switches and stick with quicker guards off the bounce.
His improved conditioning will also allow Embiid to exert more effort on a consistent basis, avoiding some of the lulls that hit him last season. Keeping his energy level up should add some more blocks to the highlight reel.
With that said, one possible explanation for the drop in counting stats was Embiid’s approach. He took fewer risks than he did his rookie season, which is a massive positive. It’s what helped him stave off injury.
Still, with more minutes, more energy, and better conditioning, Embiid should see his defensive numbers tick back in the right direction.