- CLUTCH Summary: Sixers big man Joel Embiid is a star when healthy. There's no questioning that.
- After a good season that resulted in playoff disappointment, there are areas of his game he needs to grow.
- If the Sixers want to be annual title contenders, Joel Embiid needs to cement himself as a top five player.
The 2019-20 NBA season is less than two months away, and one of the best teams that came out after last month's wheeling and dealing is the Philadelphia 76ers. One could argue that they got better even after losing Jimmy Butler, and they're once again expected to represent the Eastern Conference in the Finals this year.
But didn't we hear this story before the start of last season? Didn't we hear this story in mid-November when they acquired Butler and in February when they acquired Tobias Harris?
The truth of the matter is, that the Sixers are indeed legitimate title contenders, but once again, it heavily depends on one man and how well he'll play; Joel Embiid.
Entering his fourth season in the league, Embiid is once again expected to have a breakout season. The All-Star big is the major reason why Philly is in the position that they're in right now, and that won't change anytime soon.
And that could be the problem.
Embiid is one of the best players in the league, no doubt. But there are things that he'll need to do in order to finally get his team past the second round of the playoffs. He was expected to do a lot of things last season, some of them he did, some he didn't and of course, the latter will be magnified, especially if they lose once again.
So what are the things that Embiid needs to accomplish next season in order to give a shot at the Larry O'Brien trophy?
Well, let's look at some.
Stay healthy
Is there anything more obvious than this one?
First, let's give credit where credit is due. Embiid was healthy for the first three quarters of the regular season, but his knee issues back in March and the stomach flu that he suffered in during the Eastern Conference semi-finals undoubtedly hurt the Sixers' chances of winning a championship.
One could argue that if Embiid was 100 percent healthy against the Toronto Raptors, the Sixers would've advanced to face the Milwaukee Bucks in the Conference Finals.
Embiid is making significant progress in terms of his health. But he needs to make sure that he stays on the court when the games matter the most.
Take the spotlight away from Giannis, Kawhi
Remember when Embiid predicted that he was bound for an MVP season? That happened.
He put up 27.5 points, 13.6 rebounds, 3.7 assists, and 1.9 blocks. But despite his efforts, the Sixers were only good enough to secure the third seed in the East.
Although that isn't a bad thing, he was undoubtedly outperformed by the actual MVP winner, Giannis Antetokounmpo during the regular season, and then Kawhi Leonard literally made him cry in the playoffs.
Those two are the early favorites to win season MVP, but if Embiid is determined to take his game to the next level, he needs to do it this upcoming season.
If he can average 30 points, 15 rebounds, and three blocks next season, and then lead the Sixers to the best record in the league, the MVP will be his.
Is that possible? For a guy that's as talented as Embiid, it is.
Lead the Sixers to a championship
In reality, that's going to be every team's goal next season. The question is, can the Sixers be the one to actually do it? They have a roster that's capable of dominating half of the league on both ends of the floor. And barring any injuries, they have the potential to be really, really good.
Then again, it will not be an easy road for them. Embiid will have to play at an extremely high level in order for Philly to realize its full potential. He can't afford to suffer injuries that would sideline him for months and he can't afford to underperform in the playoffs.
Sure, the Sixers have other stars on the team, particularly Ben Simmons and Tobias Harris. But those guys aren't on the same level as Embiid talent and potential-wise. If Philly wants to be at the top of the NBA at the end of the season, JoJo has to take them there.
It's time to claim your throne, Embiid.
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