Joel Embiid can win both Rookie of the Year and Comeback Player of the Year.
Joel Embiid is fun. He has a joking nature that he shares freely on social media to the delight of his followers. He’s picked “The Process” as a nickname in a christening that immortalizes Sam Hinkie. He’s a 7-foot, 250-pound center who has the confidence to shoot from anywhere on the court. This preseason, he’s shown the ability to score in the low post to the three-point line. Imagine if Kristaps Porzingis was insanely athletic for his size. That’s Embiid.
In six games this preseason, Embiid is averaging 10.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks per game in 14.1 minutes a contest. With starter minutes, Embiid could average a 20 point double-double next season while being a beast defensively. With that said, Embiid’s statistical averages match up well with Hakeem Olajuwon and Patrick Ewing‘s numbers from their rookie seasons.
Olajuwon’s rookie season:
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 10/16/2016.
Ewing’s rookie season:
Provided by Basketball-Reference.com: View Original Table
Generated 10/16/2016.
Olajuwon and Ewing, two Hall of Fame centers, were roughly the same height and weight as Embiid in their playing careers. In an era where players usually played graduated from college before playing in the NBA, Olajuwon and Ewing had their NBA debuts at about the same age as Embiid.
With that said, the general consensus is that players are said to be better developed if they play through four years of college. Therefore, it’s telling that Embiid looks like he can have a similar impact as two Hall of Fame centers despite only spending one year at the University of Kansas. He’s a natural
Embiid gets it done in a lot of ways. He moves with a certain grace on the court as he attempts to score that shouldn’t belong to a man his size.
Embiid loves his post fadeaway and moves very much like Olajuwon to work himself open. He has the necessary footwork and counters to deliver the shot over his opponents even while being defended tightly. However, he’s also great at creating space with a “Dream Shake” or a jab step. When closer to the basket, he has a natural feel of how to score. He has an array of counters and pivots that he can use to score over his defender. After his initial drop step, he’s so strong he can always get a deep seal inside the paint.
Embiid’s athleticism also allows him to thrive in pick-and-rolls and lob situations. If it’s around-the-rim and Embiid is there, he can get it. That goes for his defensive instincts as well. Embiid is an elite shot blocker who has the lateral agility and length to recover and contest any shot. In addition, Embiid has also shown the ability to guard out on the perimeter. As ball handlers become more intent on isolating big men on the perimeter, it’s nice to know that Embiid is a player who can’t be taken out of the game because he’s at a physical disadvantage.
This is a skill that, when combined with his offensive talent, makes him the best Philadelphia 76ers center on the roster. That includes rookie sensation Ben Simmons.
When Simmons was drafted by Philadelphia, he was hailed as the next LeBron James. Though Simmons is a tremendous passer, he doesn’t have the scoring instincts of James. However, Simmons certainly has looked like the best rookie in his draft class outside of Kris Dunn and Marquese Chriss.
Dunn is an all-around point guard who is capable of taking the Minnesota Timberwolves to the next level. However, with Rubio stamped in as the starter Dunn may not receive the minutes to compete with Embiid statistically. Chriss has been productive for the Phoenix Suns in the preseason. However, Chriss won’t be able to be the defensive presence that Embiid is with Tyson Chandler manning the middle.
Related Story: Why Kris Dunn Will Win Rookie of the Year
Those three players, in addition to Embiid, are the biggest contenders to win the Rookie of the Year. Embiid, realistically, has the best chance to win based on his combination of talent, production, and opportunity.
In addition to Rookie of the Year, Embiid can also win Comeback Player of the Year. After missing his first two seasons in the NBA with an injury, Embiid has looked strong in his first six NBA contests. As a matter of fact, he’s shown that he has All-Star potential about an hour and half’s worth of NBA action.
In a year or two, Embiid could take the Philadephia 76ers to the playoffs. That’s how good he is. He has the potential to put a franchise on his back that’s been struggling for the better part of a decade. A former first overall pick, who missed his first two years in the league, leading his team out of the dungeon of the NBA? That’s an inspiring comeback performance
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It remains to be seen if Embiid will keep his play up in the regular season. However, if he does, he’ll be in line to take multiple awards home in May.