So how about Joel Embiid

[eathb_au]

Imagine tanking for 4 years to get an inferior version of Denver's frontcourt.

[BetterCallSaul]

The Process' athleticism jumping out of the gym...

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Shouldnt that have been an offensive foul?

He clearly shoved Gortat in the back to get a clear path to the rebound.

No he didn't. This is my qualm with slow motion, everything always looks much worse in slow mo than in real time. He just swam by him and whatever contact there was would happen on any play and is also a combination of both their momentum before trying to adjust for the board.

[Capn'O]

Embiid looks to be something very special. The rate at which he is learning the game is unprecedented, he's getting better on a play by play basis. His talent level is clearly off the charts. His skill level on both sides of the ball is very impressive. His athletism is elite for his size/position and he's as large as Shaq. As large as SHAQ and he shoots 80% from the line. I mean whats not to like? All these great ability's but his greatest abilty Is his learning skills. The rate at which he learns mixed with all that skill and talent is something we have never seen and may never see again. We all just need to enjoy it, because with all that said he has been Prone to injury so you never know how long we will be able to witness his talent (for the sake of the game of basketball i hope he has a 20 year career).

He isn't as large as Shaq (even if we're talking about rookie Shaq), just as LeBron isn't as large as Karl Malone.

I'd love to see him succeed because I think it's always great to have fantastic big men in this league as well as great guard. This is the era of the guards which is a joy to watch, but it would still be fantastic to see some legitimately great big men in the mix as well.

That being said, it's pre-season, I've seen too many great players stink it up in the off season and be amazing when the real season starts, and on the flip side lesser players putting up great numbers in the preseason and vanishing in the regular season. I'd love to see him start off the regular season strong and build from there, but right now it's just fun to see him run up and down the floor and put his talents into functioning use.

This isn't really an "it's only preseason" situation. The guy has the athleticism and skills to be a very good player in the league. It'll translate if he can stay healthy.

[Blazing_royale]

Get me on the Joel Embiid Bandwagon. He's special man, that size, athleticism, skill, stroke, man I don't even know what to say. He's this era's Shaq. Just get out of the way

[EddieJonesFan]

Ugh, why the F did he have to get hurt? He could be dominating the league right now if he didn't. All my favorite prospects always get hurt. I guess all I can do now is hope he at least reaches a good amount of his potential despite the physical toll that he's taken already.

[CoreyGallagher]

Imagine tanking for 4 years to get an inferior version of Denver's frontcourt.

Who is Embiid supposedly inferior to?

[tsmith]

Imagine tanking for 4 years to get an inferior version of Denver's frontcourt.

Yeah because Nurkic and Jokic are so much better than Embiid-Simmons-Okafor-Noel-Saric!

[Dez]

Imagine tanking for 4 years to get an inferior version of Denver's frontcourt.

The word you were looking for was superior.

Inferior means they have a worse version when they clearly do not.

[Misteclipse]

Imagine tanking for 4 years to get an inferior version of Denver's frontcourt.

Inferiority complex is strong with this post.

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[Kolkmania]

The flashy stuff like putback dunks, 3's as the trailing big man are nice, but what makes me more excited is his defensive impact. He's already coaching other players during P&R's, guards starting to avoid the paint in his 4th game in 2.5 years and he's able to contain one of the fastest players in the NBA, John Wall. That's not fair for a 7'2 center.

[FlatearthZorro]

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It's nice to note that that bucket came against 1 of the greatest defenders to ever make it- Tyler "much softer than a pillow" Zeller.

[jpengland]

The flashy stuff like putback dunks, 3's as the trailing big man are nice, but what makes me more excited is his defensive impact. He's already coaching other players during P&R's, guards starting to avoid the paint in his 4th game in 2.5 years and he's able to contain one of the fastest players in the NBA, John Wall. That's not fair for a 7'2 center.

This x100.

He's already looking like a defensive anchor and the ability to switch onto guards what protecting the rim is a vital skill these days.

A future Noel/Embiid front court would be INSANE from a defensive stand point, they can tussle inside, block from the strong or help side and switch all day long. With Embiid range, he can play PF on offense, too.

If Simmons gets any semblance of an outside shot to play the 3 and handle the ball, put two shooters at the other perimeter positions and that could be a dynasty (health and Simmons development permitting)

Hinkie is a genius and I can't believe he got canned.

[Kolkmania]

The flashy stuff like putback dunks, 3's as the trailing big man are nice, but what makes me more excited is his defensive impact. He's already coaching other players during P&R's, guards starting to avoid the paint in his 4th game in 2.5 years and he's able to contain one of the fastest players in the NBA, John Wall. That's not fair for a 7'2 center.

This x100.

He's already looking like a defensive anchor and the ability to switch onto guards what protecting the rim is a vital skill these days.

A future Noel/Embiid front court would be INSANE from a defensive stand point, they can tussle inside, block from the strong or help side and switch all day long. With Embiid range, he can play PF on offense, too.

If Simmons gets any semblance of an outside shot to play the 3 and handle the ball, put two shooters at the other perimeter positions and that could be a dynasty (health and Simmons development permitting)

Hinkie is a genius and I can't believe he got canned.

Yep, drafting Okafor and giving an injured Marshall the starting PG role last year were his biggest mistakes. Do believe his intention was drafting Russell and settled with Okafor, thinking he could trade him. Nonetheless, a core of Noel, Embiid, Okafor, Simmons is great and we're probably adding two top 7 2017 picks this summer. Future is bright.

[E-Balla]

Kid is a beast. Still think he'll be a little raw but he looks better than he was at Kansas and that's saying something.

[LloydFree]

Imagine tanking for 4 years to get an inferior version of Denver's frontcourt.

[trickshot]

Ahh yes. Was wondering where the next bandwagon would come. Looks like I found it. All aboard

[Tanks1]

The flashy stuff like putback dunks, 3's as the trailing big man are nice, but what makes me more excited is his defensive impact. He's already coaching other players during P&R's, guards starting to avoid the paint in his 4th game in 2.5 years and he's able to contain one of the fastest players in the NBA, John Wall. That's not fair for a 7'2 center.

This x100.

He's already looking like a defensive anchor and the ability to switch onto guards what protecting the rim is a vital skill these days.

A future Noel/Embiid front court would be INSANE from a defensive stand point, they can tussle inside, block from the strong or help side and switch all day long. With Embiid range, he can play PF on offense, too.

If Simmons gets any semblance of an outside shot to play the 3 and handle the ball, put two shooters at the other perimeter positions and that could be a dynasty (health and Simmons development permitting)

Hinkie is a genius and I can't believe he got canned.

Yep, drafting Okafor and giving an injured Marshall the starting PG role last year were his biggest mistakes. Do believe his intention was drafting Russell and settled with Okafor, thinking he could trade him. Nonetheless, a core of Noel, Embiid, Okafor, Simmons is great and we're probably adding two top 7 2017 picks this summer. Future is bright.

Nope , drafting Oak was NOT a mistake, 17 and 7 his rookie yer......those trade rumors came out of Boston. .....f*ck the celtics.....

[Renegade_H]

Hinkie definitely wanted Russell. And then after Russell was drafted, he was denied Porzingis. So screw it. BPA.

Imagine this team with Russell. Russell/Henderson/Saric/Simmons/Embiid. Yes please. Damn you LA.

[Kolkmania]

This x100.

He's already looking like a defensive anchor and the ability to switch onto guards what protecting the rim is a vital skill these days.

A future Noel/Embiid front court would be INSANE from a defensive stand point, they can tussle inside, block from the strong or help side and switch all day long. With Embiid range, he can play PF on offense, too.

If Simmons gets any semblance of an outside shot to play the 3 and handle the ball, put two shooters at the other perimeter positions and that could be a dynasty (health and Simmons development permitting)

Hinkie is a genius and I can't believe he got canned.

Yep, drafting Okafor and giving an injured Marshall the starting PG role last year were his biggest mistakes. Do believe his intention was drafting Russell and settled with Okafor, thinking he could trade him. Nonetheless, a core of Noel, Embiid, Okafor, Simmons is great and we're probably adding two top 7 2017 picks this summer. Future is bright.

Nope , drafting Oak was NOT a mistake, 17 and 7 his rookie yer......those trade rumors came out of Boston. .....f*ck the celtics.....

I'm not saying Okafor is bad, but selecting Okafor over Porzingis is in hindsight a horrible decision. Porzingis checks all the boxes Hinkie seemed to favor in the drafts prior to the one in 2015, athleticism, motor and defensive upside. Combine that with his touch from range and his ideal fit with Noel and I can't conclude anything else than a misjudgment. I emphasize that this is all in hindsight and easy to judge for me, but I think he settled for the safe choice instead of aiming for the stars like he did with all his other decisions.

If Okafor is able to lose some extra weight he might be able to play the 4 next to Embiid. With Joel's footwork, rim protection and shooting touch this duo might work and selection of Okafor worked out after all.

Most important thing is Joel Embiid staying healthy. Not just for the sake of us Sixers fans, but also for the NBA. The kid is hilarious and could become one of the faces of the NBA.

[Nolan]

Kid's scary talented. Please please please stay healthy Joel.