National Basketball Association

NBA Will Learn Dont Upset Philadelphia 76er Joel Embiid

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

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Joel Embiid has been on the receiving end of jokes and taunts for the past two years. Rather than dismay, he’s turned the negative into fuel to emerge as a potential ROY candidate.

Joel Embiid doesn’t get angry. He gets even. He has always been confident with his own abilities. He arrived to the USA and set lofty goals, long before his NBA career began. He was confident when he arrived to the University of Kansas.

But that confidence has taken some body blows. While he trained, he made social media highlights as his videos fed the appetites of starving Philadelphia 76ers fans who were all too eager to get a glimpse of the future.  Interest in Joel Embiid was so strong that videos quickly became hot trends on virtually any social media.

But that popularity was not missed on social media trolls, who were more than happy to try raining on the parade of excited 76ers fans by claiming that Joel Embiid had not yet played an NBA game.

Oct 21, 2016; Miami, FL, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) attempts a lay up against the Miami Heat during the first half at American Airlines Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Training Highlights and Lowlights

As Embiid’s training videos grew in popularity, so did the cries of “No NBA scoring” and “He hasn’t played yet”. Eventually, the volume of detractors rose in volume until Joel Embiid himself addressed the point.

But those comments merely added to the desire.

And so, we find ourselves here today.  In the anticipation of Joel Embiid’s rookie season, the fans have been exceptionally realistic.  Whether the fears of jinxing his season, or just the sense of remaining grounded, fans expect a modest rookie season.  But his two-year rehabilitation was not vacationing on the beach, nor spent in a lethargic state of disinterest.  Each day, his fire burned more intensely.  Each day, detractors added fuel to the flames.

Each fan who anticipated his arrival became a cry for help.  Perhaps that belief in the young center from Cameroon is the true catalyst.  Joel Embiid understands that this team needs a lead dog.

Oct 15, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) drives toward the net as Detroit Pistons center Boban Marjanovic (51) defends during the third quarter of the preseason game at the Wells Fargo Center. The Pistons won 97-76. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports

Lead Follow Or Get Out Of His Way

The city of Philadelphia is no stranger to the best of the NBA. In her history, Wilt Chamberlain, Allen Iverson, Darryl Dawkins, Moses Malone, Julius Erving, and even Charles Barkley have graced her court. Joel Embiid understands this, and has worked hard for the past two years to be ready for his moment of stepping onto that court.

Today, Joel Embiid arrives.  Embiid is officially tossing his hat into the ring to lead the team not for himself, but for the masses who Trusted the Process of former President Sam Hinkie.

So far, Embiid has been better than expected. In fact, he’s been one of the few bright spots of this roster in the preseason, a player who has delivered above expectations.  But he may not be alone in his quest.  He has a great chance to form something special with Jahlil Okafor.  He also has newcomer Dario Saric‘s perimeter shooting to help keep things open in the post. Eventually the team will be joined by top draft choice Ben Simmons.

In the end, the spotlight is finally set to shine on Joel Embiid tonight. Normally, we would wish him well by saying “break a leg”. But he’s already endured a broken foot for two years. Good luck is well overdue.

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