Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid was not having his best season before the COVID-19 pandemic led to season’s suspension. A finger dislocation caused Joel Embiid to miss about 15 games this season. After losing to Toronto Raptors in the second round of NBA playoffs last year Jojo feels he has something to prove. A mere game 7 buzzer-beater by Kwahi Leonard shattered their championship hopes.
” I have something to prove, and I feel like whenever that opportunity comes, it’s going to be my time,”
– Joel Embiid told Lauren Rosen
He struggled through the season, however, it looked like he was back on the right path just before the league shut down. Especially after the monstrous 4th quarter he had in the All-star game. He now seems to be ready to pick up where he left off.
“I have something to prove, and I feel like whenever that opportunity comes, it’s going to be my time.” – @JoelEmbiid
📝 https://t.co/Rb6F7dMPP8 | @CaesarsOnline pic.twitter.com/gL1laOk9vx
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) June 10, 2020
He averaged 23.4 points per game this season with 0.47 efficiency. JoJo is a throwback to classic centers, protecting the rim well while scoring in the bunches. Where Joel Embiid comes up big is defense. His calling card on defense is rim protection. Embiid’s ability to alter shots, and force opponents into reconsidering their shots is a sort of impact that doesn’t reflect on stat sheets. His long arms and dexterity reaching over players make him a master of chase-down blocks.
Joel Embiid is a threat on both ends of the floor. He is a two-way monster. While he is primarily a low post scorer he sprinkles some spins and fadeaways when needed. He uses that enormous 7ft frame and 7’6 wingspan to overwhelm inbound traffic. He is a traditional center so most of his shots are restricted to the paint. His outside shooting and passing are subpar. But he is efficient at drawing fouls and is an 80% FT shooter.
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Joel Embiid ‘s health a concern for Philly
JoJo’s weight and physical stature make him injury prone. He missed 2 seasons because of a foot injury. Al Horford effectively guarded Joel Embiid last season by tiring him out in two quarters. His health has always been in question as it leaves 76ers in a tough spot.
He lacks that lightning-quick reaction. His inability to change direction due to his hefty weight catches up with him when guarding players on the perimeter. He confines himself to rim protection. In addition, his dietary practices leave fans skeptical of his commitment to the game. However, he has been consistently increasing his physical activity anticipating league’s return.
“We’ve been going at it for the past four weeks, about six times a week, just trying to get a head start, and get ready for whatever’s coming.”
While he is a fantastic defender those minor limitations prevent him from being in the conversation of best defensive players in the league.
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Currently, Philadelphia 76ers are 6th in eastern conference. They will most likely be matched up with Toronto Raptors in the first round of playoffs. If Joel comes back healthy they can easily beat the raptors in the first round. Stats wise he did not have the best season but this break might have given him enough time to recover and come back strong.