Philadelphia Sports: Section 215 top 25 Philadelphia athletes revealed

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Jan 11, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) reacts after landing awkwardly after a shot against the New York Knicks during the second quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Number one: Joel Embiid, Center Philadelphia 76ers

Joel Embiid tops our list of the Top 25 Philly Athletes.

Before we continue, let’s make one thing perfectly clear. On merit alone, Embiid does not belong in this spot. He’s simply played too few games. In three seasons, Embiid has suited up for a grand total of 31 contests. Put another way, the Philadelphia 76ers’ franchise cornerstone has played in just north of 12.5% of the team’s games.

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Yet, his unearned placement says more about the fan base than it does about Embiid’s talents. For better or worse, we have evolved to embrace the art of the possible. We have abandoned immediate gratification in favor of placing our confidence in long-term plans. Though we are as expectant and demanding as ever, we are more patient.
On Embiid’s shoulders rests not only the fate of this new fan approach but also the outcome of the much-ballyhooed Process.

Embiid certainly has the ability to reward the fans’ tolerance for strategic losing and validate Sam Hinkie’s aggressive tanking strategy. In limited action this season, Embiid asserted himself as a force in the NBA. His style of play is a perfect fit for the space-and-pace revolution that has overtaken basketball. Embiid can protect the rim on defense and score from anywhere on the floor on offense. He possesses the foot speed and eye discipline to defend quick guards on the perimeter. On offense, he can handle the basketball and create his own shot. His post game is continuing to develop, while his ability to shoot from the three-point line presents an incredible challenge for opposing defenses.

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In the aforementioned 31 games, Embiid averaged 20.2 points per game and boasted an impressive player efficiency rating of 24.2. If not for injury, he would have easily secured the Rookie of the Year award and likely would have been honored with an All-NBA Team selection.
Again, Joel Embiid has the talent. He is unquestionably a phenomenal athlete who has captivated this town with his exceptional play and engaging personality. But can he stay healthy?

We’ll just have to “trust the process” and hope for the best.