Top 5 defenders in Sixers history — 4. Joel Embiid
With comparisons to Hakeem Olajuwon and his “Dream Shake” move, Joel Embiid should be flattered. Yet, his offensive prowess is not the only way he can dominate the game, also like the Hall of Fame Houston legend. Joel Embiid has been a problem from day one in the NBA on the defensive side of the ball. There’s a big reason why he has been selected to be on an All-Defensive team three times.
If you analyze Embiid’s impact against opponents as a defender, his block stats don’t tell the entire story. Basic observation indicates that players have to reconsider their shot in the paint whenever Embiid is at the rim. Sure, he has averaged 1.7 blocks over his career as a 76er, but imagine if players were not dissuaded from attempting shots just because Embiid’s presence alone is a cause for pause. That 1.7 really could be 2.7, no question.
Joel Embiid was all over Jrue Holiday on this defensive possession. pic.twitter.com/jb9XUn8yjz
— Tom West (@TomWestNBA) April 23, 2021
In addition to being a dominant paint defender, his athletic ability goes beyond his size as a big man. In past matchups with quicker players, Embiid holds his own. Versus a player like Giannis Antetokounmpo, Embiid has had surprising success.
Lastly, the deceptive quickness of Embiid leads him to insane chase-down blocks on some of the best scorers in the league, like James Harden, LeBron James, and Donovan Mitchell. It is scary how good Embiid can be as a defender. It will be no surprise if he is in the running for league MVP and DPOY in the years to come.