Anybody else surprised how freakin dominant Embiid looks? Wow. He is averaging 18/8 with 2.2 blocks in 22 mpg. And the most crazy part? He is shooting 50% from threes. Considering he was shut down for 2 years and this being his first season actually playing, I find that to be pretty amazing. No rookie from the draft class 2016 has been particularly impressive. Even Buddy Hield who was supposed to be "NBA ready" has been trash. I'm kind of surprised. I think Embiid has the rookie of the year award LOCKED. Unless Simmons takes it from him.
His per-100-possession averages are 40.7 pts, 13.7 rebs, and 6.6 blks. According to bkref, no player has met that statistical threshold since 1973. If you drop the 6.6 blks, only Shaq and Karl Malone meet that threshold over a full season. So yeah, Embiid is special.
The only thing surprising so far to me is the 3 ball ability. I thought he was special coming out and wanted him bad. I hope he is able to stay healthy and sign with us in a few.
i'll be the hatah: still can't ignore that he missed two years and is playing only 22mpg. projecting above that assumes he'll ever play more than that on a consistent basis...which hasn't been a safe bet yet. i won't get on my soap box about bigs shooting threes...
2016 class has been underwhelming so far, few players had good games here and there but no standouts so far.
I'll split the difference, I guess. His numbers are monstrous, which is cool, and I wish him well. Still, I'm glad he's not on our team, because I don't trust his health. Plus he's 22. That's not young by rookie standards.
yeah, put it this way: i don't view embiid as a threat to the "best young big man" mantle currently being tossed around between davis and towns, and i certainly don't view him as some sort of ewing/olajuwon hybrid that will redefine basketball. particularly as he barely anchors a really bad sixers team.
There's something about the way he plays that screams injury prone. He doesn't have a good base on him, it looks like his legs give out every time he lands. I don't wish that on him, but just an observation.
i've really liked what i've seen from jamal murray in the early going. i don't think the stats bear it out, but he looks like he'll be really good. good handle, good energy on d, nice looking jumper, gets in the paint easier than i thought. looking like a steal at 6. maybe calipari wasn't just pumping up his guy when he said he was the best prospect in the draft?
Simmons would have already racked up quite a highlight reel of fancy passes and dunks and such had he been playing. It's been a boring rookie race mostly because he's out, that simple.
Not really surprised. Always though Embid could be a dominant big man. It was all about his health and I hope he can remain healthy because he has a chance to be a great, great player for a long time.
