With the departure of James Harden, the Sixers are searching for others to assist fill the void left by the reigning NBA assists chief. An unlikely contributor has emerged by way of the Sixers’ first video games within the type of star heart Joel Embiid.
Via three video games, Embiid is averaging a team-best seven assists per contest, which might be a brand new profession excessive if sustained. His mark of seven assists per sport places him simply forward of Tyrese Maxey (6.3) for the Sixers lead and has him within the prime 15 within the NBA as of this writing. Whereas three video games is actually a small pattern dimension, it’s clear that Embiid has made strides in bettering his playmaking capacity.
Throughout Embiid’s rookie yr in 2016, he averaged 2.1 assists per sport, a mark that remained regular till 2021 when he averaged a career-best 4.2 assists. That yr, Embiid stepped up within the absence of Ben Simmons and led the group in assists till James Harden arrived in Philadelphia on the commerce deadline.
Embiid continued to get his teammates concerned in 2022 even with James Harden within the fold, holding regular at 4.2 assists per contest. That is noteworthy as he expanded his sport past simply being a scorer and rim protector.
Whereas Embiid isn’t on Jokic’s degree, it is a crucial step in the correct path.
In at the moment’s NBA, facilities are extra versatile than ever and this provides one other aspect to the Sixers star’s arsenal. If he can proceed to get his teammates concerned whereas scoring at an environment friendly price, Embiid has an opportunity to propel the Sixers to a excessive seed within the Japanese Convention even with out James Harden on the helm.
On the identical time, Embiid is continuous to show over the ball at a regarding price. His 3.4 turnovers per sport in 2022 was his most since 2018 and he has 11 by way of 3 video games. Turnovers are to be anticipated if you deal with the ball quite a bit, however it is necessary for him to not give away factors in shut contests. With many video games coming all the way down to the wire, each possession is vital within the NBA and these turnovers could make or break a group, particularly throughout the postseason.
After final yr’s disappointing postseason run, expectations are larger than ever for Embiid. Labeled with critiques starting from being a “choke artist” to a “flopper” and accused of chasing trophies with out delivering a championship to Philadelphia, Embiid faces heightened expectations. Even his most loyal supporters have criticized him for failing to dwell as much as expectations when it issues most.
Followers, analysts, and the basketball group are anticipating Embiid to take the following step, particularly within the postseason. If Embiid can proceed to dish the ball successfully whereas sustaining his scoring effectivity, the Sixers have a authentic shot at being contenders on this league. Opposing groups will likely be compelled to gameplan round this, which can result in elevated offensive output. That is particularly essential within the fashionable NBA which focuses extra on scoring and fewer on protection.
Embiid’s development as a playmaker not solely enhances his repertoire but additionally bolsters the Sixers’ offensive capabilities considerably.
Because the season continues to come back into movement, all eyes are on Embiid to see if he can rework these early glimpses of playmaking brilliance into sustained success, in the end driving the Philadelphia 76ers towards a deep playoff run and, maybe, a shot on the coveted NBA championship.