Slowly but surely, Joel Embiid is starting to exhibit his dominant offensive presence with a string of sensational throwback performances. When Embiid is allowed to solely concentrate on racking up points and is not required to make plays on the defensive end of the floor, his performances have been sublime. However, this is only effective when either Dominick Barlow or Adem Bona is partnered with Joel in the rotation, shouldering a high volume of his heavy lifting.
Embiid has already shown the Philadelphia fan base that his attributes on offense are still as devastating as ever. His trademark mid-range dagger from the elbow is still automatic, and his ability to draw countless fouls when getting physical in the paint will continue to be an essential part of the Sixers' attacking threat. Yet, his defensive prowess has been limited throughout the 2025-26 campaign so far.
Through no fault of his own, injuries have taken their toll on Embiid's mobility, restricting the contribution he can make in disrupting the opposition's work in the paint. When placed in a rotation with Barlow, this has rarely been a problem for Philadelphia, as the former Atlanta Hawks forward has crashed the boards and challenged shots with magnificent effect.
The 76ers' glaring issue is when head coach Nick Nurse opts for a small-ball lineup down the stretch, which requires Quentin Grimes to occupy a forward spot. As seen in a recent 102-109 defeat to the Chicago Bulls, the 76ers and Embiid lost all momentum without an additional physical presence on the floor.
Bona's athleticism makes him a match made in heaven
Bona has made no secret of his admiration for Joel Embiid and his craving to feature in the same lineup as the 2023 MVP. In the 76ers' most recent 139-136 overtime triumph over the Memphis Grizzlies, Bona showcased that this rotation should be something that Nick Nurse attempts more often in the future.
Despite only recording four points throughout his appearance, the 22-year-old's most important work came on the glass as he snatched six rebounds and blocked two shots, allowing Embiid to find his spot and continually sink shots that would eventually lead Philadelphia to victory.
Barlow's work was of a similar ilk, but from a starting role, again grabbing important rebounds (five) and contesting the Grizzlies' shots. When either Barlow or Bona was sitting on the bench, the other was on the floor, providing the same contagious energy that established a stable foundation for Embiid to build upon.
If a franchise wants to win a championship, it must provide its superstars with the right tools to succeed. Philadelphia's win over Memphis shows that they have discovered the perfect formula to allow Embiid to thrive. The 31-year-old chalked up 34 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists, but most importantly, this was the most mobile performance that the center has turned in since his return from injury.
Joel Embiid is morphing into the elite scorer who strikes fear into the hearts of any defender; however, if the Philadelphia 76ers wish this rich vein of form to continue, they must ensure that either Dominick Barlow or Adem Bona is on the floor to aid the big man with his defensive duties.