Utah Jazz big man Rudy Gobert has won the last two Defensive Player of the Year Awards, but Philadelphia 76ers head coach Brett Brown believes Sixers star Joel Embiid is “the best defensive center in the NBA.”
#Sixers coach Brett Brown: ‘I think Joel Embiid is the best defensive center in the #NBA.’
— Tom Moore (@TomMoorePhilly) December 18, 2019
Embiid is averaging 1.3 blocks per game this season for the Sixers, who host Jimmy Butler and the Miami Heat for the second time on Wednesday. He may not block shots every time, but Embiid's length and presence alone in the paint is usually enough to force players to change their shots at the rim.
Embiid is averaging 22.8 points and 12.3 rebounds per game on the season for Philly, who are 20-8. The two-time All-Star is shooting 46.1 percent from the field, 31.6 percent from beyond the arc and 81.1 percent from the free-throw line.
For the Sixers to win the championship this season, Embiid has to be a monster in the post, on both sides of the ball. There isn’t anyone in the league who can guard Joel one-on-one on offense or score over him with ease if he's engaged on defense.
Embiid is going to see a handful of double-teams once the playoffs start, but if he can make quick moves to the basket before the double-team comes, he will feast down low.
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