Defense and rebounding needs to be far more embedded in Embiid's game
Joel Embiid is arguably a physical specimen with enough tools to be dominant on both ends of the floor. However, his defensive presence during the past two seasons was not that noteworthy, especially with knee and foot injuries piling up. Athleticism is not always the best remedy in that case, and Tim Duncan is a great example of that.
In the latter part of his career, Duncan remained a top-tier rebounder and defender, despite not having the lateral quickness and athletic ability of his youth. The Spurs built a perennially strong defensive scheme with Duncan towering over it. HIs combination of positioning and basketball IQ was the reason behind the effectiveness of their strategy.
Embiid has all the tools to work on those two areas of his game and avoid unnecessary collisions on the hunt for deflections and blocks. More than anything else, he will help Philly create a strong protective framework inside. Last season, the team was in the middle of the pack (15th) regarding its defense on 2-pointers, per basketball reference.
They were also barely competing with the Top-10 groups in the opponent's FG% by being ranked as the 11th best team in this category. The Sixers can be a top-tier defense this season if Embiid can control the area around the rim and keep opponents away. However, he will need to use his physical presence and be more in control when he is patrolling the paint.
The 2023 MVP has already become a creative force from the post and amped up his assist numbers. Now, he needs to replicate some of his early-career defensive efficiency to help Philadelphia achieve its goals this season.