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2017 NBA Rookie Ladder: Joel Embiid Leading The Race Early

By Nathan Grubel

Oct 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) punches the back post in reaction to his foul against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Oklahoma City Thunder won 103-97. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) punches the back post in reaction to his foul against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Oklahoma City Thunder won 103-97. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 29, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) looks to pass during the fourth quarter of the game against the Atlanta Hawks at the Wells Fargo Center. The Atlanta Hawks won 104-72. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) looks to pass during the fourth quarter of the game against the Atlanta Hawks at the Wells Fargo Center. The Atlanta Hawks won 104-72. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers

Welcome to the NBA, Joel Embiid.

The 76ers look like they have a bright future, and the city of Philadelphia finally has hope.

Embiid has not only looked like a potential star, but a superstar on both ends of the floor.

Philadelphia is astronomically better on both ends of the floor when Embiid is playing. Lineups with Embiid are only at a total plus/minus of minus-9 compared to lineups without him combining for more than double that per NBA.com.

That’s a serious gap in impact, meaning the numbers back the notion that Embiid is very important to Philly’s success.

It starts with his game on offense, as he’s a versatile center who can score inside and stretch the floor.

He has legitimate 3-point range and a number of moves down low to finish at the basket. Combine that with his speed off the roll and cuts to the basket and there’s reason to think he could put himself in the thick of the scoring title race down the road.

Defensively and on the boards he’s invaluable to his team. When Embiid’s off the floor, the Sixers don’t have another big man capable of filling in for him.

Jahlil Okafor and Richaun Holmes aren’t great rebounders (combined 8.0 rebounds per game this season) and Nerlens Noel is still out due to injury.

Embiid scored 20 points in his debut against the Oklahoma City Thunder, and that won’t be the last time he tops that point total this season.

Right now the Rookie of the Year race isn’t close.

Next: Top 10 Candidates For 2016-17 Most Improved Player

It’s Embiid’s world and we’re all living in it.