Joel Embiid said he would be ready for the season, and he looks every bit of it. This season, Embiid wants a championship and by the looks of it, he just might get it.
Joel Embiid has given everything he can to this Philadelphia 76ers team, and now it’s looking like it’s beginning to be rewarded. During the offseason, the 76ers went out and acquired Jaylen Brown and LeBron James. Both players have won NBA Championships and are hoping to do the same with Embiid.
In the same regard, Embiid wants to win, and he’s decided to make it a point to be available for the team to help make that happen. Embiid came into camp in shape and ready to play. So much so that his teammates are taking notice and have commended Embiid for what he's doing during this training camp.
Rookie point guard Labaron Philon took notice early and applauded Embiid for his offensive skillset.
“Offensively, I don’t think I’ve ever seen a big that can score, pass, or do everything at once.” Philon told reporters.
He’s got a point. Embiid has always been able to do it all, but now things are different. He’s been happier than we’ve seen in years, and it’s showing. There’s a sign of life in the seven-time All-Star; he’s been extremely active, being disruptive on the defensive end while moving quicker than we’ve ever seen on the offensive side. The hope is that this new Embiid can remain healthy and be of service to his new teammates.
In fact, defensively, he’s continued to impress Philon as he commended Embiid’s efforts in the defensive drills of 3 on 1 and how he managed to stop players from scoring when it’s just him out there.
During the offseason there was such a ruckus about Embiid and how even though he managed to get himself in shape, he hadn’t been seen with his new teammates, and it had some people worried that he may have had a setback or that he’s distancing himself. But now, it seems that he wanted to give himself as much time as possible to be prepared.
Embiid is going to be the biggest part of this team in terms of getting over the hump of the second round, which also makes him the biggest question mark. His history in the playoffs and being hurt has many fans skeptical, but this could be his redemption season. Even when he wasn’t playing at his best, he still dropped 20 and 10 on a nightly basis. Now, with all these new faces in training camp, Embiid can take a deep breath and be at ease in knowing this team has what it takes.
It’s obviously not going to be easy, and everything won’t happen overnight. But with Embiid’s new mindset and being solely focused on winning a championship, it’s a good step in the right direction.
