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2017 NBA Rookie Ladder: Top Contenders For Rookie Of The Year

By Nathan Grubel

Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver poses for a group photo on stage with draft prospects before the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver poses for a group photo on stage with draft prospects before the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 15, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) drives toward the net as Detroit Pistons center Boban Marjanovic (51) defends during the third quarter of the preseason game at the Wells Fargo Center. The Pistons won 97-76. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) drives toward the net as Detroit Pistons center Boban Marjanovic (51) defends during the third quarter of the preseason game at the Wells Fargo Center. The Pistons won 97-76. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers

The Philadelphia 76ers don’t have a ton to lean on this season in terms of excitement.

First overall pick Ben Simmons is out till at least January with a foot fracture. Preseason results have shown the team will struggle to put significant points on the board at times.

Philly still lacks any explosive guard play or consistent outside shooting to contend in the East.

What the Sixers do have, however, is a potential franchise center in Joel Embiid.

He’s impressed in his limited time on the court by averaging 11.4 points and 6.0 rebounds in just 14.7 minutes per game.

His presence on both ends of the floor has many league executives singing his praises early on. Some even think his path to greatness is already in front of him.

Even though he hasn’t played a meaningful minute of NBA basketball, he’s proven enough to warrant consideration for the ROY award.

Unfortunately he’ll be on a minutes restriction for at least part of the season. Not having enough opportunities could cost him the honor in the long run.

But make no mistake that when he’s on the floor he’ll dazzle with a mix of post moves and jump shots.

Embiid’s ceiling when healthy is unquestionable at this point. Now it’s time for him to put it all together and contribute for most of the regular season.