Lauren Rosen recently sat down with Joel Embiid to recap his offseason and talk about the upcoming year. The two discussed a few things including Embiid’s relationship with Tobias Harris, his summer focus, how he prepared for the year, but the most intriguing part of the interview was how Joel Embiid described his play last season.

Rosen credited his play from the previous year and Joel Embiid downplayed it entirely, saying “I was pretty okay last year”. He finished second in MVP voting, was placed on the All-NBA Second Team, and made his fourth straight All-Star Game, but he truly believes there is more to his game. When asked how Embiid might top a season that was statistically one of the best in the NBA, he referenced shooting more threes, and creating more shots off the dribble because it isn’t as easy to score out of the post in the playoffs.

With all of the turmoil surrounding the 76ers right now, there has been less of a focus on what the Sixers will actually be good at this year. As many people assumed for the past few years, Ben Simmons isn’t exactly the perfect fit with Joel Embiid as a Point Guard-Center combination. As the tides have shifted, and it seems that they will never play again, looking at what could be for Embiid this season is definitely scary for the rest of the league.

Add more spacing, more off-ball movement, and a smidge more shooting to an offense that is centered around one of the most unstoppable players in the league and you have a legit nightmare for any incoming defense. Assuming that Tyrese Maxey starts in place of Ben Simmons, even if he only takes 1-2 threes a game that is more than Simmons ever gave you, and his ability to attack the basket will constantly keep the defense on their toes and unable to double as easily.

This offseason, and up to this point has been incredibly disappointing, so it is hard to realize the positives that could come out of it. There is going to be a trade in the future, but even in the meantime we literally have an unguardable 7’2 monster that has the ability to carry Philadelphia for the time being which is something most other franchises cannot say.

Joel Embiid will not play tonight in the 76ers 2021 preseason opener. Check out the full preview here.

Mandatory Credit: USA Today Sports