National Basketball Association

Philadelphia 76ers: A Review of Joel Embiid's First Games

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

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Joel “The Process” Embiid has already made an impressive impact for the Philadelphia 76ers throughout their first five preseason games, showing the potential and ability we all dreamt we would eventually see. He hasn’t disappointed; also take into account that Embiid hasn’t played competitive basketball since losing to Oklahoma State on March 1 2014, playing for Kansas.

Joel Embiid’s Stats

@ Celtics: 6 points, 4 rebounds, 2 blocks, 12 minutes

More from The Sixer Sense

vs. Wizards: 5 points, 3 rebounds,1 block, 12 minutes

@ Cavaliers: 12 points, 4 rebounds, 13 minutes

@ Grizzlies: 13 points, 5 rebounds, 13 minutes

vs. Wizards: 11 points, 12 rebounds, 13 minutes

Breakdown

Embiid has shown remarkable footwork in his post moves, and his athleticism is extraordinary for a player of his size with his past injuries. His strength makes him almost unstoppable when gets within a few feet of the rim. At some stages of the two games against the Washington Wizards, Embiid was having his way against Marcin Gortat, a player renowned as being one of the strongest centers in the league.

Embiid has also shown his extended shooting range. Going 1-5 from 3-point range doesn’t stand out, but Embiid hit many long 2-pointers. Over time, he’ll be more confident in stepping back to hit that 3-point-shot. This skill can make Embiid one of the scariest two-way centers in the league. He can bang it down low, can step out and hit a three, similar to Anthony Davis and Karl-Anthony Towns.

Embiid has also shown his defensive ability, being a big post presence, blocking multiple shots. He’ll definitely make guards think twice about driving to the hoop when he’s lurking around the paint.

If Embiid can carry this form into the season he must surely be in the talks for Rookie of the Year, especially with Ben Simmons out indefinitely. He can only get better with more minutes, adjusting to the NBA game, becoming less rusty each game.

Does this make Nerlens Noel expendable? Is Embiid a combination of Okafor and Noel? Could Embiid reach KAT’s level? Is the NBA ready? We shall excitedly wait and see.

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