Episode VIII
STARS ARE BORN
In the early 80s, some NBA experts wondered if Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Magic Johnson, two great players at their respective positions, could play together. Decades later, their multiple championships prove that those experts should have kept their skepticism private.
The same concept about Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons has reared its controversial head in conversations across the globe for NBA fans and analysts. For them, they convey the sentiment that their ability to thrive together is not a matter of if, but only a matter of when. They could not have joined forces at a better time as the 76ers were trying to emerge from the doldrums. It started with Embiid first.
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In June 2014, Joel Embiid was at home with his family during the NBA draft. The hype around this particular draft was high, and the top three picks were all a lock, just not in any order. Would the Cavaliers risk taking Embiid at No. 1 despite his injury condition? Thoughts of Sam Bowie and Greg Oden probably gave them cold feet when they chose Andrew Wiggins with the first pick. Milwaukee was next, and they played it safe, too, going with Jabari Parker. The 76ers threw caution into the wind and selected Joel Embiid out of Kansas.
Two years later, Ben Simmons was the coveted sensation in the draft. Although there was speculation that the 76ers could make a shocking move and take Duke’s Brandon Ingram, Sixers management went with what most considered the obvious choice. 76er fans now imagined a one-two punch that could mirror great center and point guard tandems like Magic and Kareem or Shaquille O’Neal and Penny Hardaway. The debut of the new duo would have to wait due to an injury to Simmons. He would take a year to recover from his foot injury, and when he did, it was the start of a something special.
For the next three seasons, Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons would lead the 76ers to winning records and playoff appearances. They dazzled fans every night with their performances. Dunks, steals, blocks, and moves by both stars gave coach brett Brown the fire power he had always imagined during the many losing seasons. Embiid and Simmons also gave analysts plenty of fodder for morning sports talk shows. Were they friends? Will their games blend? Would they clog up the paint? Who was the team’s leader? It would be nonstop drama surrounding the two budding All-Stars.
The only thing missing would be a third star. Who would be their Dennis Rodman? Elton Brand would have to play Jerry Krause for the Sixers’ story to play out just right.