Philadelphia 76ers

Joel Embiid continues to transcend expectations on his way to Superstardom

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It has been almost three years since the 76ers drafted Joel Embiid 3rd overall in the 2014 draft. The move was a hot topic of debate due to a number of reasons. Aside from being a very raw player- he didn’t play basketball until he was 15- it was revealed that Embiid suffered a stress fracture to the navicular bone in his right foot, just a week before the draft.

The news was devastating as it both ruled him out for the 2014-15 season and killed his chance to be the #1 overall pick. A fractured navicular bone was the same injury that caused NBA HOFer Yao Ming to miss significant time before retiring. Foot injuries can be especially difficult for big men to to overcome in the NBA because of how much weight is constantly being placed on it over the course of the season. Many GMs, with Yao Ming’s fate assuredly in mind, were reluctant to spend a first round pick to acquire the 7’2 center because of the likelihood that the injury nags him for the remainder of his career.

On the other hand Embiid was coming off a sensational freshman year at Kansas, averaging 11.2 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks in 23 minutes per game, before a back injury cut his season short. Embiid flashed potential throughout the season with dazzling post moves and superb rim protection. He formed a dominant duo with eventual #1 pick Andrew Wiggins and demanded the attention of NBA scouts and analysts alike.

Former 76ers GM and “process” initiator Sam Hinkie gambled on Embiid and it has paid off big time. After missing his first two professional seasons due to injury, Embiid has taken the league by storm.

Embiid is currently averaging 19.6 points , 7.6 rebounds, and 2.3 blocks. He is the driving force behind the Sixers improvement and is well positioned to be selected to the All-Star game in New Orleans. In fact, he was only 16k votes away from being a starter in the ASG (!) and with the help of some high profile celebrities may actually do it.

Embiid is a rock star on and off the court. Not only is he slowly dragging the Sixers out of the NBA gutter and removing the laughing stock label they have worn for years, but he is making basketball fans excited to watch Philly basketball again. The city has been buzzing all season about the improvement and potential of this team and Embiid is a huge reason why. They may not be a playoff team this season, but with JoJo leading the charge it won’t be long until they are. Trust the Process and be sure to vote for Embiid because voting ends tonight at midnight!

 

Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

About the Author

Jalyn Smoot

Jalyn is a 24-year old freelance writer, sports reporter, content creator, and student at the UNT Mayborn School of Journalism. In the four years since beginning his sports writing career, Jalyn has compiled 200+ high-volume articles for Philly Sports Network, including frequent appearances on Metro Philly, Bleacher Report, and Apple News. A Saint Louis native, Jalyn has worked tirelessly to expand his reach far beyond the Show-Me state and will continue to do so moving forward.

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