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There is arguably no NBA team with a higher ceiling than the Philadelphia 76ers.
Why? Because of Joel Embiid.
Everyone understands the Sixers' floor is one of the safest in the association because of the 'Big Four' of Tyrese Maxey, V.J. Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown, and LeBron James. That group alone can lead Philadelphia to a postseason berth, but winning a championship comes down to the availability and strength of Embiid.
Embiid is not usually able to play much during the regular season, but for the first time in his career, he doesn't have to be. He appeared in 38 games last season, 19 the year prior, and 39 the campaign before that. This low number of appearances over the last three seasons is where agendas that Embiid cannot stay healthy stem from, and rightfully so. Last year's playoffs painted a similar picture, as he missed four games between the series against the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks.
But the silver lining is when Embiid was available, and not even at full strength against the Celtics, he dominated. In the Game 7 victory over Boston, 'The Process' recorded 34 points and 12 rebounds on 46.2% shooting.
He was unstoppable, which is what makes him the key to the 76ers winning a championship next season.
There is arguably no player more talented on the offensive end when healthy than Embiid. His 2023 MVP campaign is the perfect example of this, as he averaged 33.1 points on 54.8% shooting.
Typically, a team's X-factor is more of an under-the-radar piece or unsung hero, but not for Philadelphia. Embiid clearly deserves that title for the Sixers, as he takes this group from great to championship-winning.
Embiid needs to do more than just enter the postseason at 100%, however. He needs to maintain that level of health and ability through four physically demanding playoff series before hoisting the Larry O'Brien Trophy. Truly only time will tell if Embiid's body is capable of this, as he's never reached the Eastern Conference Finals, so there are no previous examples to base it off of.
Odds are the Sixers would either face the San Antonio Spurs or Oklahoma City Thunder if they reach the biggest stage. Both of these organizations are home to an All-Star or superstar big man, respectively. Then, more than ever, would Embiid be needed.
As gifted as Maxey, Edgecombe, Brown, and James each are, none possess the upside and talent that Embiid does.
Continue reading...
Why? Because of Joel Embiid.
Everyone understands the Sixers' floor is one of the safest in the association because of the 'Big Four' of Tyrese Maxey, V.J. Edgecombe, Jaylen Brown, and LeBron James. That group alone can lead Philadelphia to a postseason berth, but winning a championship comes down to the availability and strength of Embiid.
Embiid is not usually able to play much during the regular season, but for the first time in his career, he doesn't have to be. He appeared in 38 games last season, 19 the year prior, and 39 the campaign before that. This low number of appearances over the last three seasons is where agendas that Embiid cannot stay healthy stem from, and rightfully so. Last year's playoffs painted a similar picture, as he missed four games between the series against the Boston Celtics and New York Knicks.
But the silver lining is when Embiid was available, and not even at full strength against the Celtics, he dominated. In the Game 7 victory over Boston, 'The Process' recorded 34 points and 12 rebounds on 46.2% shooting.
He was unstoppable, which is what makes him the key to the 76ers winning a championship next season.
There is arguably no player more talented on the offensive end when healthy than Embiid. His 2023 MVP campaign is the perfect example of this, as he averaged 33.1 points on 54.8% shooting.
Typically, a team's X-factor is more of an under-the-radar piece or unsung hero, but not for Philadelphia. Embiid clearly deserves that title for the Sixers, as he takes this group from great to championship-winning.
Embiid needs to do more than just enter the postseason at 100%, however. He needs to maintain that level of health and ability through four physically demanding playoff series before hoisting the Larry O'Brien Trophy. Truly only time will tell if Embiid's body is capable of this, as he's never reached the Eastern Conference Finals, so there are no previous examples to base it off of.
Odds are the Sixers would either face the San Antonio Spurs or Oklahoma City Thunder if they reach the biggest stage. Both of these organizations are home to an All-Star or superstar big man, respectively. Then, more than ever, would Embiid be needed.
As gifted as Maxey, Edgecombe, Brown, and James each are, none possess the upside and talent that Embiid does.
Continue reading...
