Philadelphia 76ers: 3 takeaways from Game 3 dominance vs. Raptors

1. Joel Embiid is really good

Since LeBron James took his talents to the west coast, there’s been an opening for the title best player at the top of the Eastern Conference with a number of legitimate contenders. Over the last two seasons, Joel Embiid’s made a compelling argument, dominating the opposition at both ends with a personality that endears him to fans everywhere.

As is the case with just about any player, Embiid had his critics. They sighted both his inconsistent health and penchant for outside jumpers despite a low percentage and a hulking frame built for the post. Fair or not, those facts held him back in a debate fully his for the taking. It was performances like his most recent one, though, that remind you why he’s in the discussion at all.

A 30-10-5 outing seems like easy work for Embiid. Imagine if his minutes had gone above 30 in a more tightly-contested game. He even hit three of his four looks from downtown along with those aforementioned five blocked shots. At his best, he’s the unquestioned best center in the game and top-10 in the entire NBA.

There are those who would argue that Embiid is already the best player in his conference. With guys like Kawhi and Giannis Antetokounmpo in the same airspace, it’s certainly not a cut and dry debate.

At the same time, however, neither dominates the game quite like Joel. He’s an unstoppable offensive force when he chooses to be and can alter games defensively both guarding the perimeter and swatting any and all shots. The NBA is a league built on talent. When Embiid’s playing at this level, he’s as talented a player as there is, one capable of leading the Sixers to a championship.