Cubbies2120 wrote:eyeatoma wrote:Cubbies2120 wrote:
? Jokic isn't top 10 in FTA, he could definitely improve his already insane efficiency by getting more fouls called like the other superstars.
Its either:
1. He's not getting officiated the same as other superstars
or
2. He's the most agile big man of all time, capable of avoiding contact despite most of his points coming from the paint.
Or the most logical answer. He doesn't draw the same amount of contact, and isn't as aggressive.
Or he doesn't flop like a fish because he's 7 ft 260+ lbs and has the balance of an adult male

While Embiid does absolutely "flop like a fish" (seriously, the man is a great lover of falling down), the main reason he's able to weaponize getting to the line so much is in his physical gifts. Embiid has an explosive and slithery first step, and enough strength to get to his spots.
While Jokic does appear to get rough treatment from the refs, and is more mobile than some people understand, Jokic's first step (a crucial part of being a high volume foul drawer) isn't special. Jokic gets to the line with his brute stretgh, and by being the trickiest man in the game (why so serious?). But he doesn't have the same physical explosiveness that allows Embiid to just force his way to the line of every possession.
There's also the matter that Jokic's offense is all about weaponizing the synergy of his scoring and passing, constantly threatening the defense with both. He keeps defenses so off-balance this way and will pass it whenever he sees an opportunity. Passing like this does incredible things for an offense, but it doesn't draw shooting fouls. Embiid is much more tilted towards scoring. He weaponized the threat of his jumper in combination with being a physical problem if he gets into the paint. While he'll pass well in reaction to the defense if they overplay him hard, Embiid is moreso on a mission to score the **** out of the ball. Being more geared towards scoring generates more free throw attempts.
I kinda hate wading into the Jokic Embiid comparisons, because parts of both players fan bases have becoming unbearable about it. But on the other hand, it's very exciting to compare these players. We haven't had mega bigs like this in a generation, and them having such contrasting styles and huge games makes for quality discussion.