Joel Embiid
By Christopher Kline
Joel Embiid is a transcendent, top-10 NBA talent. He’s going to be in the MVP discussion multiple times, barring injury, before his career ends. The Sixers, even with the worst bench of any contender, are aiming for home-court advantage because Embiid is on the roster.
At 7-foot-2, Embiid combines physicality, grace and skill in a manner no other big can. He’s effective in the post, can shoot off the dribble, and has the two-way capabilities to win Defensive Player of the Year at some point. He’s bona fide elite.
If there’s one area Embiid can still improve upon, it’s his passing. Turnovers have been an issue throughout Jo’s brief career and becoming a more willing passer is the best solution. Rather than forcing difficult shots amidst double teams, Embiid should focus on using his gravity to hit open teammates.
There has been marked growth in that department this season, with Embiid averaging 3.5 assists per game. Every now and then, he’ll whip a cross-court pass to the open shooter, giving fans flashes of his playmaking upside.
If Embiid continues to grow in that department — as we’ve seen with other elite bigs, like Anthony Davis and DeMarcus Cousins in the past — he will further cement his status as one of the NBA’s best players.