The Sixers have officially started preparation for the 2021-2022 NBA season. As we all know the Sixers vs Ben Simmons and Klutch Sports saga has been well documented up until now, as Agent Rich Paul has been consistent on getting his client moved out of Philadelphia.
Ultimately Simmons will be traded, and no matter what the Sixers get in return for him, the 2021-2022 season Joel Embiid I believe has and will take his game to another level.
After the stellar season Embiid had last year, you may be wondering how that can be the case. Well here are a few things that I believe has to and will happen that will take Embiid and this Sixers team to that next level.
Mentality:
If he wants to play more games, more minutes and overall just be there for his teammates, Joel Embiid’s mentality towards the game, fitness, and health will need more focus than ever.
Embiid changed his offseason strength and conditioning program last year, leading to the most well-conditioned shape he has ever been in and his best season yet. The Cameroonian averaged 28.5 ppg, 10.6 rebounds, 2.8 assist and was the runner up candidate for MVP last season.
Embiid came into training camp this year looking like he means business. There’s a real element of hunger that has developed in his personality over the past couple of seasons. This new mindset will play a major factor in this years team success. I believe their is another level that Embiid can reach that will catapult him and this team to levels that this city and fans have been waiting to see.
Playmaking:
Joel averaged three assists per game last season, while that is not much Embiid displayed at moments where he was a willing passer and created for other around him. Joel commands much attention when he is in the post, most times commanding double and triple teams.
Embiid at times struggled against double teams, especially when facilitating a pass. If he can continue to grow in this area, it will only produce more opportunities for teammates to score.
If The Process can average between 6-7 assists per game next year, you will see a major jump in offensive production that coincides with less stress for Embiid as he won’t have to put the team on his shoulders.
Trust/Leadership:
The centerpiece of the Sixers has always been Joel Embiid and after his comments regarding Ben Simmons not too long ago, there’s no better time to step up and show that.
Through all the offseason chaos, Embiid has maintained a level of professionalism while also being a pilar of stability for his teammates. Reminding us daily that he and the players who are in camp are there with a purpose to get better and win this season.
At times, Embiid would shoulder the entire offensive burden last year. These moments provided us with some of his best, and worst moments. For the Sixers to succeed this seaso,n I believe Joel will have to continue to display this level of leadership and trust in teammates, because this team will only go as far as the big man takes them this year.
I believe in Joel’s talents and the player he can still grow into. If he continues to equip himself with these three elements on a nightly basis this season, I believe the Sixers could absolutely make some major noise. As for Embiid, it could lead to an MVP award that has evaded him for too long.
Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire
