Joel Embiid has become a pioneer in this day and age. In an era where being huge is seen as a disadvantage, guards and wings dominate the league, and centers are all but phased out, the Philadelphia 76ers star has been an anomaly. Using his size and strength, the Cameroonian center has become one of the most dominant forces in the NBA today.
Embiid has helped usher in a new trend in the NBA: one where centers are the apex predators of the league. His latest exploits have him surpassing another Sixers center in Moses Malone, becoming the first center since him to average over 30 points per game in a single season. (via r/nba on Reddit)
The Sixers star isn't the only center making headlines around the league today. His prominent rival for the MVP crown is Nikola Jokic, another center who has been extremely prolific in his stint in the league. Another notable center in the NBA is Karl-Anthony Towns, who combines the three-point shooting philosophy of this era with his outstanding inside game.
Joel Embiid has needed to be absolutely terrific for the Sixers for them to get to their current position. Missing Ben Simmons in the early parts of the due to a holdout was devastating for them. It necessitated a larger role for Embiid as both a scorer and a passer, and he obliged. Now, he's posting career-highs as he's looking for his first MVP trophy.
With the Sixers poised to grab a top-4 seed in the Eastern Conference, they are looking like a favorite to win it all. However, for them to achieve that goal, they'll need Embiid to be his usual devastating self come postseason time.
