Philadelphia 76ers: How should we gauge Joel Embiid’s season?

Joel Embiid is the face of the Philadelphia 76ers and has the potential to be a superstar. This season is incredibly important for him, and for it to go according to plan several things will need to go right.

Playing only 31 games last season was looked at as both a blessing and a curse for Joel Embiid, while he showed off his skills he also ended up getting injured. After years of waiting for him to finally be healthy, Embiid set the NBA world on fire, albeit for only a short time. He proved that if he can stay on the court he could lead a team to the playoffs. The sample size is small, and if the Sixers want to move on with him as the face of the franchise he will need to do several things this season.

Play in at least 50 games with no injury setback

31 games last year was a step in the right direction, now Joel Embiid needs to prove that he can stay on the court for a longer period of time. The Sixers are proven to be very cautious with players coming off of injuries, which is why Embiid will have his fair share of rest days. He is such a difference maker when healthy that if he can stay on the court for those extra 19 games more than last year, the Sixers record should improve. If Embiid can stay on the court for 50 games it would also mean that he has avoided an injury setback, which may be even more important than playing in 50 games.

All-Defensive 1st or 2nd Team

Anyone watching just a piece of a game from Joel Embiid can see his defensive abilities. He clogs up the middle and anyone who can get past the guards are immediately blocked by him. In just 31 games Embiid was garnering attention for several awards, including a spot on the all-defensive team. It is possible that if he can stay healthy this season he could end the year with a well-deserved All-Defensive 1st or 2nd team spot.

Make the Playoffs

This is the year that the Process should come full circle. There is so much young, attainable talent on this team that they could easily slide into a middle seed in the wide-open Eastern Conference. Just making the playoffs, many would deem this year a success, and if Embiid is a key piece to that run it would be even better. The Sixers have a bright future ahead of them, and a playoff appearance this upcoming season would start this next phase of the team off right.

Next: Sixers: Remembering the Nerlens Noel saga one year later

Joel Embiid has the potential to be an all-time great. There are few who have the type of abilities that he possesses, whether it be handling the ball, shooting from deep range, or blocking every shot around him. This upcoming season is important for the big man, and if he can accomplish these things, this season could go very well for the Sixers.