Joel Embiid entered the NBA in 2014 as the no. 3 overall pick. However, due to a foot injury, the talented big man out of Kansas missed the first two years of his career. Since making his debut in 2016-17 though, Embiid has developed into an MVP candidate, making the Philadelphia 76ers perennial contenders.
JoJo has seen plenty of different players go in and out of the Sixers organization since he was drafted. After all, it took a while for the team to become winners again following the Sam Hinkie-led “Process.” Embiid is clearly the cornerstone of the Sixers and surrounding him with talent is imperative.
For this piece, we take a look at the best teammates Joel Embiid has had with the Sixers.
Ben Simmons
Simmons, like Embiid, missed his rookie season in the NBA due to a foot injury. However, he's become a three-time All-Star after making his debut during the 2017-18 season. Simmons won Rookie of the Year by averaging 15.8 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 8.2 assists.
Simmons has been the perfect sidekick for Embiid with his pass-first mentality.
Robert Covington
Covington and Embiid were teammates for four and a half years, though they only played together for two and a half seasons due to the latter's injury issues.
The 2017-18 Sixers were fun to watch with Embiid, Simmons, and Covington leading the charge. The team won 52 games and got to the second round of the NBA Playoffs, where they ultimately lost to the Boston Celtics in five games.
Jimmy Butler
The Sixers had to trade Covington and fellow fan-favorite Dario Saric to the Minnesota Timberwolves for Butler during the 2018-19 season. Jimmy wound up being one of Embiid's favorite teammates of all time.
Jimmy Buckets averaged 18.2 points in 55 games with Embiid and the Sixers. Unfortunately, Embiid had to watch Butler sign with the Miami Heat after just one season instead of returning.
Tobias Harris
The Sixers signed Harris to the richest deal in franchise history in the offseason of 2019 after acquiring him from the Los Angeles Clippers at the trade deadline.
Harris, with his versatility, athleticism, and steadiness, has provided extra scoring for the Sixers since his arrival, enjoying a breakout campaign this season alongside the MVP showing of Embiid.
JJ Redick
Redick and Embiid shared the same locker room for two years. The veteran sharpshooter averaged 17.6 points and shot 40.7 percent from beyond the arc while playing with the Sixers.
Embiid, meanwhile, put up 25.2 points and 12.3 rebounds in the two seasons he played with Redick. The Sixers sorely missed the shooting prowess of the Duke legend before the 2019-20 season was suspended due to COVID-19. Redick signed with the New Orleans Pelicans in the summer of that season.
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