The Philadelphia 76ers won their season opener the New Orleans Pelicans and there are several takeaways that fans can get from this matchup. However, one takeaway that was very relevant is that Joel Embiid looked good.
Embiid was still the dominant force on offense like he was last season. That’s not surprising, but the interesting development that fans should notice is that Embiid’s ability to move around the court like a forward versus a center.
The Philadelphia 76ers’ center Embiid’s ability to move makes him more like a playmaker.
Embiid came into this season noticeably thinner than most seasons and it appears to have paid off based on the Sixers’ first game. Embiid was able to create off the dribble and move like a guy who is 6-foot-8 instead of a center who is 7-foot. The play below is a perfect example of how good more agile he’s become.
who else?
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) October 21, 2021
our first bucket belongs to Joel Hans Embiid. pic.twitter.com/69hUa1I9GD
His movement is fluid as he dribbles up for that mid-range jumper in traffic. There was also another play in the game where he pumped fake from the 3-point line and was able to Euro-step to a layup. He’s moving better than he’s ever had before, but that’s only part of the reason why he looks like a playmaker.
Before the start of the season, I predicted that Embiid would average a career-high in assists, and based on the first game, that could very well be the case. Against the Pelicans, Embiid had five assists and one turnover.
Without Ben Simmons on the floor, teams can’t send double-teams to Embiid. That obviously opens up the floor for Embiid and that allows him to see passing lanes much easier than in years past.
This season the Philadelphia 76ers have a 7-footer who is as agile as a forward and has the playmaking skills like a guard. If Embiid can keep this up, the Sixers are in good shape and he should be in the MVP conversation.