Philadelphia 76ers: Ranking every player on the 2020-21 roster

Ranking every Sixers player #1 — Joel Embiid

Joel Embiid takes the top spot once again in our Ranking the Sixers project. Embiid fends off Ben Simmons to retain his title as the best player on the Sixers, a title he well deserves. Until Simmons improves his jump shot this will not be much of a competition.

Embiid is an imposing presence on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball and he matches up well with most any other opposing big in the league. His versatility is unique for his size and even though he shoots too many 3-pointers for a big man, he averaged 33% from deep last year. That is just slightly below the NBA league average for all players 3-point percentage. Embiid’s physical frame allows him to dominate in the post which leads to a wide array of ways he can beat teams on offense.

On the defensive side of the ball, Embiid might even be better. He was the Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year during his one collegiate season and he has brought that skillset and intensity to the NBA. In 2018 and 2019 he made the NBA All-Defensive Second Team and in 2018 he was in the discussion for Defensive Player of the Year. Embiid can defend the perimeter and hold his own in the post. He is a pure all-around NBA superstar and if he can remain healthy will become a top five player in the league this upcoming season.

— JONATHAN GEIB