Philadelphia 76ers: Joel Embiid unhappy with role since Jimmy Butler trade

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid is averaging under 14 points per game in his last three outings.

Following a disappointing loss in Toronto on Wednesday, the Philadelphia 76ers got Joel Embiid some much-needed rest in Friday’s victory over Detroit. The All-Star was playing his worst basketball of the season in the three games prior, averaging just 13.7 points on 33.3 percent shooting.

After the Pistons game, Embiid vented his frustrations with the media, according to Philly.com’s Keith Pompey. The Sixers star said he is unhappy with his role post-Jimmy Butler trade, as he’s “mostly starting plays on the perimeter.”

It’s important to note, however, that Embiid was not referring directly to Butler when making those statements. He isn’t disputing the trade or bemoaning his co-star, he’s just attributing recent struggles to more time spent on the perimeter — not being tired.

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With that said, Embiid was clearly gassed in the Toronto game, struggling to make a consistent impact on defense and shooting 5/17 from the field. His frustrations led to a late-game technical, as Embiid also received fewer foul calls than normal.

Getting Embiid rest, considering both his minutes load and injury history, was important. The Sixers must be proactive with conserving Embiid’s health, especially if making a deep playoffs push is the end goal.

As for his role, there was always going to be an adjustment period after adding Butler. Embiid and Butler need to work toward finding the right balance as the season progresses, but Butler has been relatively non-demanding early in his tenure.

Aside from his recent outbursts, Butler has taken a backseat to Embiid in virtually every contest. He seems content to let the game come to him, making savvy cuts off the ball and remaining involved without carrying the primary burden offensively (outside the fourth quarter, at least).

With Butler coming off consecutive 38-point games, that might change — and it should. Embiid and Butler need to be co-partners in order to maximize the offense, as Butler brings a dynamic the Sixers were previously lacking.

Embiid spending time on the perimeter, however, serves multiple purposes. Yes, getting him deep post position more often is ideal, but there’s a reason for placing him on the three-point line. It benefits the whole team.

First and foremost, Ben Simmons is most effective when getting downhill or exploiting mismatches in the post. Inverting the offense and allowing the 6-foot-10 Simmons to put pressure on the interior makes sense. It’s his best way to contribute as a scorer right now.

Stationing Embiid on the three-point line — occasionally, not every possession — also opens up driving lanes, both for his teammates and himself. Defenses tend to respect Jo’s willingness to shoot, which forces the opposing center to the perimeter and gives Embiid room to pump fake and attack off the dribble.

At his absolute peak, Embiid does his best work in the post, where he can draw contact, force the issue and occasionally find open shooters on the perimeter. But in order to balance the offense and maximize the unit as a whole, he needs to spend some time on the three-point line.

That’s fine.