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Philadelphia 76ers big man Joel Embiid has turned himself into one of the best players in the world since entering the NBA in 2014, adding new layers to his game year after year. Even after a career year that almost landed him the MVP award, Embiid still managed to make improvements.
As we know, Ben Simmons has yet to suit up in a game this season for the Sixers. While that's been a problematic situation for the Sixers on multiple fronts, some good has come out of the situation. With the former No. 1 pick currently out of the picture, his teammates have been more empowered with the ball in their hands.
Simmons was the lone maestro of Philadelphia's offense in the past. Now, the Sixers have adopted an egalitarian style of play that allows multiple guys to be decision-makers. The player who's most taken advantage? Embiid, fully embracing a “point center” role in his sixth season on an NBA floor. Seeing him bring the ball up was a rare sight in years past but is now a nightly occurrence.
Along with doing more ballhandling, the All-Star center has also made strides as a facilitator. Embiid is currently posting a career-high 4.3 assists per game. He's even boosted his passing numbers during a dominant ongoing scoring stretch, dishing 21 assists over the last three games. Embiid had 10 dimes in a dominant win over the Houston Rockets earlier this week, notching his third career triple-double.
After the Sixers' blowout win over the San Antonio Spurs Friday night, Tobias Harris opened up on Embiid's growth as a facilitator this season.
“I would say the biggest thing is the trust,” he said of Embiid. “He's trusting other guys to make plays, and he’s just evaluating the defense. When they’re double-teaming him, he knows when he could bait them as well cause he outbreaks right down on that block, so more times than not the team has to decide if they want a three-seconds or not. I thought Matisse [Thybulle] did a really good job cutting tonight, Joel hit him. I think he even tried to give him a no-look pass as well. He's just expanding on that level.”
this whole play is in reverse ◀️ pic.twitter.com/30EmShioNQ
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) January 8, 2022
Heading into the year, Embiid knew he was going to be relied on more than ever to lead the Sixers. In true superstar fashion, he's taken the challenge with open arms and elevated his game to new heights.
With his improved vision and willingness as a passer, Embiid has become an even tougher player to defend. Not only can he score in a myriad of ways, but he can read the floor and suss out double-teams as well, creating easy looks for his teammates.
Embiid's full talents have been on display this season, and the results are speaking for themselves. Standing seven feet and weighing 280 pounds, he's turned himself into a perfectly well-rounded basketball player. At this stage of his career, Embiid is more than equipped to provide the Sixers with whatever they need on both ends of the floor on any given night.
