Trust “The Process”
Joel “The Process” Embiid has sparked some life into the Philadelphia 76ers this year. Once considered the utmost bottom feeder of the league the Sixers at least have some hope for the near future. Embiid was selected by Philly with the 3rd pick in the 2014 draft. After being drafted he broke the Navicular bone in his right foot for the second time. This injury forced Embiid to sit out and he was unable to compete. He made his debut this this year and is expected to be a lock for the Rookie of the Year award. Averaging a solid 20 points, 8 rebounds and 2.5 Blks per game Embiid has managed to turn things around by way of giving the franchise hope for the future. When Embiid had to sit out multiple seasons fans immediately thought that he would be nothing more but a conversational piece anytime Sam Bowie, Kwame Brown, or Greg Oden were brought up. He has definitely made a great first impression and my hope is for his game to mature and grow.
Since getting drafted Embiid has worked on his game tremendously. He developed some low post moves who has some comparing him to Hakeem Olajuwon, and has even added a three point shot to his arsenal. Now coaches and fans alike don’t cringe when they see Joel pick up his dribble and hoist a shot up from 24 Feet. If he can even remotely live up to the Hakeem Olajuwon comparisons he would have a great career. The coaching staff had placed a minutes restriction on his play only to take precaution. He is logging more and more minutes as the season progresses and might even get that restriction lifted after the all star break. He’s up to 28 minutes a game now and takes full advantage of every second he is out there on the court.
Similarly, LSU sensation and number one overall draft pick last summer Ben Simmons is injured and has yet to make his first NBA appearance. You throw Ben in the mix of that young team and have something good going on in Philly. Heading towards the NBA trade deadline they will have to decide if they are going to keep Okafor and/or Noel. I think they need to move one of them and get some perimeter shooting help. With Simmons and Embiid in the mix this team is on the verge of making a respectable run for a playoff spot. Stay tuned to the 2nd half of the season to see where this Sixers team is headed. Not sure if they are even thinking about this season anymore as this may be a warm up for next season. To see two young dynamic players of their caliber will be special. I really expect these two to grow with each other and create something great in Philly. It has been a long time that the fans in Philadelphia had something to cheer about with this team. Lets see how this plays out.