Everyone thinks Joel Embiid’s biggest problem is his health. But in reality, it might be his defense. The Philadelphia 76ers have built an extremely talented lineup heading into next season, but they are lacking on the defensive end. They don't really have any great defenders. In fact, they might not have a positive defender in the starting lineup.
When he was at his best, Embiid was one of the best defenders in the NBA. Unfortunately, after years of injuries and not being able to stay on the court, he is nowhere close to that level anymore. Embiid struggles to keep up on the perimeter, and even when he is roaming the paint, players still managed to get by him.
Obviously, if put in the perfect position, Embiid can still defend at a solid level. Unfortunately, teams are constantly going to be trying to keep him out of those perfect positions.
Joel Embiid's defense is a concern
When you take a look at the 76ers score heading into next season, it's pretty clear how big of a hole they have on the defensive side of the ball. They don't have a clear-cut solution.
Technically, the solution is supposed to be Dean Wade. He was supposed to be the 76ers' go-to guy on the defensive side of the ball, taking on the biggest perimeter matchups for Philadelphia.
Now, it looks like Wade isn't even going to be a member of the 76ers' starting lineup. That leaves them with a group of Tyrese Maxey, VJ Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown, LeBron James, and Embiid in the first five.
Again, that is an objectively talented lineup. One of the most talented lineups we've seen in recent NBA history. But mostly on the offensive end of the Court. Defensively, there are serious questions.
Maxey is small. He's not a great defender because of it. Edgecombe is a fine defender, but he's still a sophomore. Brown is an okay on-ball defender when he wants to be, but off the ball, he gets lost. And James is 41 years old.
That leaves Embiid as the primary defensive anchor for a team that doesn't have a bunch of great perimeter Defenders standing in front of him. And at this point in his career, Embiid isn't the same anchor he once was.
So, as Philadelphia dominates on the offensive side of the ball, the defensive side could let them down. And unfortunately, Embiid doesn't seem ready to anchor that type of defense.
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