Unlocking the Next Level to Joel Embiid’s Game
Joel Embiid has been arguably the Association’s best player so far this season.
Additional spacing provided by Seth Curry and Danny Green has clearly benefited Embiid’s game. He is averaging a career-high 29.8 PPG on a blistering 65% True Shooting thanks to a scorching hot mid-range game dominating the paint.
Photo: Kevin C. Knox/Getty Images
Embiid’s dominance on offense has led to double teams nearly anytime he touches the ball. Nothing new from years past, but Embiid has been handling the doubles better. His first pass out of the double comes quickly, which allows the ball to swing and find the open shooter. This was clearly a skill Embiid worked hard on this offseason, and his efforts should be applauded.
But there is one concern that stems from Embiid’s elite offensive ability. It is an effect similar to what the Houston Rockets experienced with James Harden. Once the ball is in Joel’s hands, the remaining four Philadelphia 76ers on the court tend to stand around and watch.
The numbers and eye-test support this – per NBA.com, the 76ers are tied for the league lead in post-ups per game at 16.7; they average the most FTA from these post-ups and are tied for the most PPG off post-ups.
Philadelphia also only averages 1.0 APG from post-ups – good for an assist percentage of 5.8% – which ranks as the 9th worst mark in the league.
When watching the Sixers, it is not hard to notice the lack of off-ball cutting from Embiid’s teammates. Some of that is due to design to ensure Joel knows where his targets are when the double comes. And in past years, this is something that was needed as double-teams flustered him, and simplification was needed. As mentioned earlier, Embiid has clearly worked on his passing ability, and coach Doc Rivers should take advantage occasionally.
Joel is not and most likely will never be as talented a passer as fellow MVP-candidate Nikola Jokic. However, cutting can often make passing easier for the player attracting the double. Double-teaming naturally puts the defense at a 3 on 4 disadvantage. Sending a cutter can only exacerbate that disadvantage for a defense. Defenders are forced to collapse to prevent the easy layup, giving perimeter shooters even more space. If they stay home on the shooters, the cutter has a clean look at the basket.
Sending cutters is not something the Sixers need to do every time Embiid touches the ball. It is simply another wrinkle to throw at opposing defenses to keep them guessing.
When players like Simmons or Matisse Thybulle are on the floor, they could be more valuable in applying pressure by cutting than standing around the arc or in the dunker position.
Anything that could potentially give Joel more opportunities to dominate one-on-one should be implemented into the offense.
Featured Image: Kevin C. Knox/Getty Images
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Categorized:Sixers