Philadelphia 76ers Season In Review: Frontcourt
By Simon Smith
Joel Embiid, C
Year: Rookie
2016-17 Stats: 31 GP. 25.4 MPG, 20.2 PPG, 7.8 RPG, 2.5 BPG, 2.1 APG, 46.6 FG%, 36.7 3P%, 78.3 FT%
Embiid’s impact in his first 31 games in the league was nothing short of incredible. Despite being placed on a minutes restriction and unable to compete in back-to-back contests, the sheer hope Embiid gave the 76ers was immeasurable. Hope is an amazing feeling for a franchise coming off the back of 19, 18 and 10 wins over the previous three seasons.
Embiid’s best stretch of his debut season came between Dec. 23 and Jan. 27, when his season unfortunately wound up. Over 12 games, Embiid posted 23.8 points, 8.6 rebounds, 2.7 assists, 2.5 blocks and 1.2 steals in 27.1 minutes per game.
Notably over this stretch, Embiid was a +81 while on the court, and the Sixers posted an 8-4 record.
But to truly appreciate Embiid’s value over this 12-game stretch, the difference in the Sixers’ performance when he was on and off floor is staggering for a player in his first season.
Offensive Rating – 76ers points per 100 possessions
- On Court: 108.5
- Off Court: 98.1
Defensive Rating: Opponents points per 100 possessions
- On Court: 97.5
- Off Court: 107.2
Embiid’s premier game of the season came in just his 18th game as a pro. Playing at home against the Brooklyn Nets, Embiid registered 33 points, 10 rebounds, three blocks and two steals in just 27 minutes of game time.
Embiid is currently rehabbing from his recent, season-ending surgery, and is very optimistic following his latest procedure. As he stated recently to ESPN’s Jackie MacMullan:
"“I feel very lucky….When they did the MRI [before the surgery], it looked like my meniscus was fully torn. But when they got it in there, they realized that wasn’t the case. It really turned out to be nothing, just a small, little thing. So that’s very good.”"
Presuming all things go to plan in the offseason, anything is possible next season for Embiid.