To this day, Wilt Chamberlain is still widely regarded as the best center to ever don a Philadelphia 76ers uniform. But it seems like current Sixers center Joel Embiid is giving The Big Dipper a run for his money, based on his remarkable showing in the 2020-21 campaign so far.
The Cameroonian slotman once again led the way for Philly in their 112-105 win over the Chicago Bulls at Wells Fargo Center on Friday. With fellow All-Star Ben Simmons sitting out the game due to illness, Embiid took charge and dropped a dominant 50-point outing on 17-for-26 shooting from the floor in 35 minutes. JoJo's incredible stat line of 50 points, 17 rebounds, five assists, two steals, and four blocks has aligned him with Chamberlain, per ESPN Stats & Info.
According to @EliasSports Joel Embiid joins Wilt Chamberlain (4x) as the only players in 76ers history with 50 points, 15 rebounds and 5 assists in a game. pic.twitter.com/gxJ19BA5ZG
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) February 20, 2021
Joel Embiid even put his name alongside another franchise legend, Allen Iverson, becoming the first Sixer to record a 50-point outing since The Answer in 2005.
Joel Embiid is the first Sixers player with a 50-Pt game since Allen Iverson in 2005 🔔🙌 pic.twitter.com/0fyMgHv7p4
— ESPN (@espn) February 20, 2021
The Process has been regarded as one of the elite centers in the modern era for a few seasons now. However, his massive leap in the 2020-21 season has cemented his position as a true top 5 player in this league. There's been an on-going debate between fans and pundits as to who is truly the best center today between Embiid and Denver Nuggets big Nikola Jokic. The Joker is also having a phenomenal season himself and is averaging better all-around numbers than the Sixers center.
However, it's Embiid who's been able to lead his team to greater success so far, as the Sixers own the best record in the East with a 20-10 slate. For sure, this 50-point performance should give him a slight edge over Jokic in those debates.
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