Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid is one of the tallest players in the NBA, standing at seven feet. In most cases, “bigs,” as they're known, don't have the greatest ball handling skills. Embiid, however, is proving to be an exception.

Though his squad lost, 96-92, Embiid, a native of Yaoundé, Cameroon, played a big role for Team Africa in Saturday's NBA Africa Game. In fact, the former No. 3 overall pick racked up 24 points, eight rebounds, and four assists.

With just over eight minutes remaining in the third quarter and his team trailing by nine points (59-50), Embiid dazzled the crowd inside Sun Arena. After faking a drive down the right side of the lane, Embiid dribbled the ball behind his back, then proceeded to knock down a fall-away jumper.

Without a doubt, the Sixers will be looking for Embiid to continue in his progression. In 63 appearances with Philly last season, the 24-year-old racked up averages of 22.9 points on 48.3 percent shooting from the field, 11.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.8 blocks in 30.3 minutes per outing.

Article Continues Below

As most hoops fans know, Embiid dealt with an injury-plagued first two seasons of his professional career. However, now that health seems to be in his favor, he says he's ready to perfect his game, including three-point shooting and ball handling.

“That was my message, just going into the offseason, finally the first one healthy and able to do whatever I want. That was my goal regardless,” Embiid recently told ESPN’s Ian Begley. “I’ve already gotten so much better. It’s just about working on everything, perfecting everything. Like when it comes to my three-point shot or the ball handling, which was a problem. I feel like I can do it, but I just need to be consistent.”

Though they were favored, the Sixers were defeated by the Boston Celtics in the 2018 Eastern Conference Finals, losing in five games. Will they make it even further next season with a rejuvenated Embiid?

More Philadelphia 76ers News
Philadelphia 76ers forward Guerschon Yabusele (28) looks on with Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) after the game at Wells Fargo Center.
Guerschon Yabusele reveals truth of 76ers’ free-agency offerZachary Howell ·
NBA players Jabari Walker in a Philadelphia 76ers jersey, roster, two-way contract
76ers sign former Trail Blazers forward to two-way contractDavid Yapkowitz ·
Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (3) drives around Philadelphia 76ers guard Quentin Grimes (5) during the third quarter at Wells Fargo Center.
Bulls rumors: Chicago labeled a fit for another RFA amid Josh Giddey talksJulian Ojeda ·
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) and forward Paul George (8) defend against Chicago Bulls center Nikola Vucevic (9) during the first half at United Center.
Udonis Haslem labels 76ers’ true ‘leader’ over Joel Embiid, Paul GeorgePreston Byers ·
Philadelphia 76ers president of basketball operations Daryl Morey is interviewed before a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Wells Fargo Center.
76ers bring back veteran shooter after Guerschon Yabusele exitAlex House ·
Philadelphia 76ers forward Guerschon Yabusele (28) reacts against the Milwaukee Bucks in the third quarter at Wells Fargo Center.
Knicks steal key 76ers big man with $12 million free agency contractBrett Siegel ·