Joel Embiid: The perfect blend of greatness

Sixers: A Little Hoya in a Jayhawk

One of the most dominant basketball players in collegiate history was Patrick Ewing. Coming out of Georgetown, he was seen as the next Wilt Chamberlain or Bill Russell. He was that good, and the New York Knicks were determined to reclaim basketball glory by making Ewing the first overall pick in 1985. In his prime, he gave Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls a run for their money every postseason. Ewing collected multiple All-Star selections, earned All-Defensive team status, and was awarded Rookie of the Year. Although Joel Embiid has not collected as much hardware as Ewing, their similarities are apparent.

Offensively, Patrick Ewing was the king of the mid range jump shot when he was at the top of his game. He could use his nifty moves to free himself up for an open shot, perhaps with a turn around spin. Additionally, if Mark Jackson or Doc Rivers penetrated, Ewing could nail the spot up jumper. Embiid seems to hold the ball more, attempting to draw a double team with all of the 3-point shooters around him now, but he now wears the crown for mid-range jump shooting. Embiid, similar to Ewing, can throw the rock down in traffic or in an open lane — those who have tried to contest either big man met their posterization with regret.

Defensively, Embiid roams the paint like Ewing used to do, both intimidating guards and forwards foolish enough to challenge the centers. Ewing though, asserted himself more in the shot blocking department, averaging four blocks a game in the 1989-1990 season. The most Embiid has averaged so far is 2.5 blocks his rookie year.

Embiid’s game is like Ewing’s in a number of ways, but Sixers fans will have to wait and see if the Process can bring home a Larry O’Brien trophy, which is something Ewing was unable to do in his NBA career.