Philadelphia 76ers: 3 players who made the most out of the bubble

1. Joel Embiid

At first glance, it may seem strange to include Embiid. He’s already the team’s No. 1 option, and he essentially missed three games due to various injuries. The bubble hasn’t been a smooth ride for Embiid, but when he has been on the court, he has been at his absolute best.

In the four full games Embiid played, he averaged 30.0 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 3.3 assists. He shot 53.8 percent from the field, he anchored the defense, and he made one key development. He transformed into a genuine playmaking threat from the block.

Improvement as a passer has always been the next step in Embiid’s superstar progression. No one has ever questioned Embiid’s ability to score on the block. He’s the most physically imposing center in basketball, he his skill package is comparable to some of the all-time greats.

Where Embiid has often fallen short is as a decision-maker. Throughout his career, Embiid has been single-minded on the block — looking to score, not create for others. Even when defenses threw double teams at him.

Embiid’s approach to double teams has wholly changed in the bubble. Rather than forcing up ill-advised, well-contested shots, he has been more patient. He has made quicker reads and unleashed some high-level passes — passes we never would have seen before the bubble.

If Embiid can translate that success to the Boston series — where the Celtics lack the size to contain him on the block — he will single-handedly generate a bevy of open looks for Philadelphia’s shooters. If the Sixers are going to beat Boston without Simmons, it will be because Embiid lives up to his name.

The Sixers aren’t better without Simmons, but it does clarify Embiid’s role. He’s the main guy on offense. Philadelphia will look to him almost every possession, oftentimes in the post — where his mere presence collapses the defense.

If Embiid continues his progression as a passer, the Sixers should proceed optimistically as underdogs.