Sixers: Five biggest positives from 6-2 start

Five biggest positives from Sixers’ 6-2 start: Joel Embiid’s DPOY case

Joel Embiid’s offensive production, so far, has been less than desirable. He’s averaging 20.6 points per game (a career low) on .413/.321/.790 shooting splits, which is not what you expect from the reigning MVP runner-up. With the Sixers’ next-best player sitting at home and Tobias Harris slated to miss a week-plus due to COVID, it would be easy to panic.

And yet, the Sixers are 6-2, riding a four-game win streak that includes a massively impressive home win over the Chicago Bulls without three starters on Wednesday. Embiid has played a key role in that success, even in the midst of a shooting slump.

So far, the 7-footer is averaging 1.0 steal and 1.6 blocks per game while playing the most active defense of his career. Embiid has always been one of the top defenders in the NBA, but this season — with his offense in the gutter — Embiid has made himself the frontrunner for Defensive Player of the Year. He’s absolutely everywhere, channeling his offensive frustrations into defensive dominance.

We still have a long way to go — and injuries could derail his awards campaign — but there hasn’t been a better defender in basketball through eight games. Embiid looks at his absolute prime on that side of the ball, and logic would suggest his shooting numbers will improve as time goes on. He’s the Sixers’ best player on both ends, and still very much the lifeblood of a contender.