National Basketball Association

Joel Embiid Is Turning Heads In NBA Today, Attracting FAs Tomorrow

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Joel Embiid‘s performance has turned heads throughout the NBA. In the summer of 2017, it could payoff as free agents choose their next team.

Joel Embiid is “The Process”. He is the “Lion-Killer”. He is the “Goat”. He’s even been described as entering this season in “Beast Mode”. But Joel Embiid is merely an NBA rookie. He has taken his place on the NBA basketball court after two years of rehabilitation and anticipation. He had every reason to stumble this early, but he didn’t.

You see, he does not come from basketball lineage like Ben Simmons or Dario Saric. In sharp contrast, he doesn’t even have much of a basketball background from his native country of Cameroon. Embiid’s basketball skills and intelligence did not come from any other source. It is all him, and has been virtually his entire life.

That’s what success requires. It’s that resolve that takes you to heights without an ready-made path or gradual climb. Sometimes, it requires a leap. But it has an unexpected side-effect. Positive draws positive. Success draws success. Elites attract elites.

Despite thick wallets and huge shopping lists, the Philadelphia 76ers were unable to attract many free agents to the roster. While some of that could be attributed to the short term commitment desired by the team, most of the cause was the uncertainty of the team. That uncertainty did not prevent free agents from leveraging interest from the 76ers to pad new deals with there own teams. In the end, two few wins and too many unknowns kept free agents from calling on the team.

Oct 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) smiles at the foul line against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Oklahoma City Thunder won 103-97. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

But Momma, That’s Where The Fun Is…

If the NBA was impervious to change, the Philadelphia 76ers would not have a chance at any recognizable free agents. But things are changing in Philadelphia… oh my how they are changing.

In just four games, Joel Embiid has become the face of the franchise. Since this is happening immediately following a two plus year hiatus, that’s incredible.

Brett Brown: “(Embiid) does stuff that we all just want to go give him a big hug. He’s very, very special to our organization.” #sixers

— Derek Bodner (@DerekBodnerNBA) November 2, 2016

The rookie center delivers more than points and rebounds. His very presence at the post forces opponents to reroute their offensive plays. In short, they go around, rather than through, the mountain.

But he gives even more. He can defend point guards at the perimeter.

He can even set up at the perimeter and score threes. Throughout it all, he continues to have fun. That infectious laugh and sense of humor keeps even the tightest situations manageable. The Philadelphia 76ers are not winning games… yet. But the team is improving with each game, and Joel Embiid is having a lot of fun in “the process”.

And veterans are noticing.

Jun 24, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers number one overall draft pick Ben Simmons (R) is greeted by center Joel Embiid (L) during a press conference at the Philadelphia College Of Osteopathic Medicine. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

The More.. The Merrier

While Joel Embiid casts long shadows with his larger than life stage presence, the team is not just about him. As a matter of fact, a few short weeks ago, the buzz was not about Embiid but about top draft pick Ben Simmons.

And Ben Simmons has yet to join the team this season. When he does, look for the team to amp up a little. Simmons style of basketball is integral to head coach Brett Brown’s vision for the team. He is the master tactician, the cerebral assassin. When he steps foot onto the court, he will have the handles and finesse of Sergio Rodriguez, with the size and coolness of Dario Saric.

Two rookies. Will there be more?

Dario Saric may see to that. While his October debut rolled out like a flat tire, he has really picked up his game in November. The bonus is that his style truly compliments the post presence of Joel Embiid and the cool finesse of Ben Simmons. If Saric can sustain 50 percent shooting from the floor, while keeping his three-point shots above 40 percent, that will force defenders to converge on him beyond the arc.

That will give him all the opportunity he needs with his passes to find the open shooter, or reset the play back to the hands of Simmons. Three rookies simultaneously developing into NBA stars will be a very attractive situation.

Oct 8, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers general manager Sam Hinkie (R) talks with chief executive officer Scott O

First Class, Baby…

Thanks to the vision of former president Sam Hinkie, nothing was left to chance. He did not trust odds, and therefore did everything possible to overcome random chance.

Sam Hinkie put into place a complete rework of the team during his three years.

His first step was upgrading the sports medicine department. To do so, he spent an entire year recruiting pioneer-in-the-field Dr. David T. Martin. Martin’s arrival helped the team route Joel Embiid’s broken foot though the minefields of recovery and deliver the star to the basketball court this season.

But Hinkie had more, far more, in mind. He persuaded ownership to build a state-of-the-art practice facility which just opened this year. Inside, the team now houses everyone tied to the Philadelphia 76ers organization as well as boasting premier training and analytics innovations. The team has even brought innovation to the business community via the innovations lab located at the site as well.

Ultimately, as players begin to assess their options, the Philadelphia 76ers supporting cast will be an advantage. But that advantage will only help in closely positioned options.

The Philadelphia 76ers may not score the pinnacles of free agents, but there will be a few names who could be within reach and whose skillsets will fit perfectly to the team’s future. Meanwhile, the team will continue to work on improving the roster going forward.