Next up in our top 25 rankings is Joel Embiid. The Philadelphia 76ers big man is one of the most unstoppable and talented players in the NBA. Let’s explore Embiid’s game and place among the league’s best.
Top 25 NBA Players 2024-25: No. 8 – Joel Embiid
A Dominant Two-Way Force
Embiid is arguably the league’s best scorer with incredible size, strength, and athleticism containing him is an impossible task. Crucially, Embiid’s scoring goes beyond being a bruising interior force; he has a smooth mid-range game and can space the floor as a three-point shooter. Additionally, Embiid draws fouls and gets to the line better than anyone in the league, this makes Embiid an all-around scoring threat. Offensively, Embiid has improved as a playmaker, especially last year. Embiid is also one of the league’s best rebounders and an elite defender. Embiid can anchor a defense due to his elite shot-blocking and athleticism. While Embiid is one of the most talented and dominant stars in the league, his lack of playoff success and injury history hold him back. Notably, in seven playoff appearances, Embiid has never made it past the second round.
Season Recap
Embiid had an incredibly dominant start to the 2023-24 season. He posted absurd averages of 34.7 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 5.6 assists on 52.9/38.8/88.3 shooting splits. Embiid’s dominant scoring and improved playmaking were notable, his 34.7 ppg and 5.6 apg were both career highs. Embiid was the early MVP frontrunner which would have given him his second consecutive MVP award. His 70-point outburst against the San Antonio Spurs was a highlight of the season. Impressively, Embiid joined Wilt Chamberlain as the second player in league history to average more than a point per minute.
Embiid this season:
34.7 PPG
11.0 RPG
5.6 APG
52/39/88%The first player to average over one point per minute since Wilt Chamberlain. pic.twitter.com/ncHiZyjL4J
— StatMuse (@statmuse) May 3, 2024
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Unfortunately, in January, Embiid would go down with a knee injury. While Embiid returned for five games in the regular season and the playoffs, the Sixers plummeted the standings without him, falling from a 3-seed to a 7-seed. When Embiid played, the Sixers posted an impressive 31-8 record, which is good for a 64-win pace.
In the first round against the New York Knicks, Embiid had arguably the best playoff series of his career, averaging 33 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists. This included a dominant 50-point performance in Game 3. Embiid’s efforts were more impressive, considering he wasn’t fully healthy as he was dealing with his knee injury and a case of Bell’s palsy. Furthermore, Embiid posted a plus/minus of 7.7, and the Sixers had a +61.7 net difference with Embiid on the court underscoring his value.
Even though Embiid had a highly productive series, common concerns about his performance remained. Most notably, all of Embiid’s numbers dropped fourth quarter play and he shot just 23.1 percent from the field, in a series where all games were decided by single digits this was particularly problematic. Embiid’s playoff fourth-quarter play has been a common issue throughout his career, and he has consistently underperformed during the playoffs. This upcoming season, Embiid can prove his worth with a productive and deep playoff run.
Season Outlook
The 76ers made a big splash in free agency by signing Paul George. The fit between Embiid, Maxey, and George is about as seamless as it gets. Philly now has an All-Star level guard, wing, and big with Embiid being a legit superstar. Additionally, they signed quality role players Caleb Martin, and Eric Gordon, and drafted Jared McCain. Notably, Embiid signed a three-year $193 million dollar extension with the Sixers during the offseason. This is the most talented surrounding roster Embiid has ever had. Consequently, the pressure is on Embiid to have a deep playoff run.
If Embiid and the Sixers have a deep run this ranking will look foolish. However, that’s a big if, Embiid has constantly been injured in the playoffs and it’s fair to question if he’s in shape for a full NBA season. Notably throughout his career, Embiid has only averaged more points in the playoffs once and had the largest ppg drop-off for any MVP in league history. Injuries are certainly a factor here but there are plenty of examples of Embiid flat-out underperforming in the playoffs. Embiid reportedly lost 30 pounds during the offseason and has emphasized the importance of winning a championship. While this could be a turning point for Embiid and the Sixers, he still has to prove these changes are real with a deep playoff run.
The Last Word
Eighth might feel like a harsh ranking for Embiid considering his dominance. In the regular season and from a talent standpoint Embiid is a clear top-three player. Embiid is one of the most gifted and dominant scorers in league history. Admittedly this ranking could age like milk if Embiid goes on a deep playoff run. Regardless, his lack of postseason success and consistent injuries hold him back. At 30 years old it’s hard to see Embiid’s injury problems going away if anything it could get worse. Ultimately, Embiid’s talent and two-way dominance exceed his ranking, however, he still has to prove himself more than other players above him.
Keep up with our top 25 list here.
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