Predictions for a big Philadelphia 76ers 2019-20 season

2. Joel Embiid to win the Defensive Player of the Year award

For the second straight season, Joel Embiid was selected to the NBA All-Defensive Second Team, with Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert standing between him and selection to the First Team. However, a major factor can help to explain this reigning dominance by Gobert.

In 2017-18, the Jazz led the league in defensive rating despite Gobert missing 26 games due to injury. They followed this up by finishing second last season only to the Milwaukee Bucks, with the Sixers a distant 13th overall. Having said that, things are likely to change substantially this season.

Firstly, the additions of Al Horford and Josh Richardson means that from the outset, the Philadelphia 76ers have arguably the most complete defensive unit in the league. With incredible length at each position, seeing them rise all the way to the No. 1 overall spot in defensive efficiency would not come as a surprise.

Furthermore, the assistance provided by the likes of Horford should ensure that Embiid receives a slightly lesser workload this season. Of course by the end of last season and extending into the playoffs, Embiid was clearly hampered by the lingering tendinitis in his left knee.

However given a fresh start to the season, and decreased overall load on his body, Embiid’s productivity when on the floor should realistically improve.

So with a combination of improved personal performance, and that of the team, look for Embiid to lead the votes at the center spot as it pertains to All-Defensive First Team selection.