Joel Embiid rose to the top of the NBA by establishing himself as an immovable object in the paint. Offensively, the 2023 MVP bullied defenders into submission, getting to his spots and devastating his opponents. However, relentless injuries have clearly changed Embiid's trust in his body. Despite an impressive season, Embiid continues to fall into the frustrating habit of settling for deep shots instead of attacking the interior.
On a roster bursting at the seams with scorers, Joel Embiid is still recording numbers that can help contribute to a championship run. The Philadelphia 76ers have quickly dispelled any ridiculous narrative that this group of stars can't become a cohesive unit. The Sixers have raced to a 6-1 record on the year, with Embiid playing a crucial role.
Through six games, Embiid has averaged 19.2 points, 9.4 rebounds, and 5.2 assists per game. His playmaking leap has been to the 76ers' benefit. Embiid may not be the MVP candidate he once was, but he still occupies defenders' attention, creating space for his teammates to drain open shots.
Nevertheless, not everything is rosy in Xfinity Mobile Arena. Embiid can do more for his team; he must believe in his body and stop taking shots that aren't in his usual repertoire.
Embiid can shoot from deep, but it doesn't mean he should
Tyrese Maxey, LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, and even VJ Edgecombe headline a list of stars capable of making opponents pay from beyond the arc. There is no denying that, over the years, Joel Embiid has improved his 3-point shooting, but it is not the greatest weapon in his arsenal.
In the modern-day world of the NBA, teams are desperate for centers who are not only a paint presence but can stretch the floor and hit shots from deep -- the 76ers don't need this right now. During the 76ers' 93-98 win over the New York Knicks, Embiid showcased how his outside shooting can negatively impact the team.
Embiid attempted 4 shots from beyond the arc during the victory over the Knicks and didn't score a single one. In fact, over his last three appearances -- including New York -- Embiid has not scored any of his last 10 shot attempts from 3-point range. Despite recording a career-high 4.2 3-point attempts this season, Embiid is only averaging 14.3% from this range.
Form is temporary, and class is permanent. Embiid is usually a better shooter from deep than he is showing, but with an abundance of efficient shooters around him, it is a shot he doesn't have to take as often. The 76ers are more effective when the Kansas alum is getting to his spots in the paint. Embiid has devastated many teams with his deadly mid-range jump shot -- that's what Philadelphia fans need to see.
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