Fansided

Trust The Process: Joel Embiid’s top five plays this season

By Connor Learn

Jan 11, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) and New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) laugh together after a play during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 98-97. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) and New York Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony (7) laugh together after a play during the second half at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 98-97. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /
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4. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist gets posterized

When Joel Embiid has played, the 76ers have ran their offense largely through him. On this sequence, he and rookie guard Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot play some simple pick and roll. Embiid receives his pass, is too quick for Roy Hibbert, and finishes right over Michael Kidd-Gilchrist.

Hornets coach Steve Clifford is known for his conservative defensive schemes aimed to keep offenses away from the rim. He inserted Roy Hibbert, largely ineffective in anything other than defending the rim at this point in his career, to guard Joel Embiid. His best defender, Kidd-Gilchrist, also loomed nearby to help as half the court became isolated.

It simply didn’t matter. Joel Embiid is too explosive of an athlete and is able to convert. Seven footers aren’t supposed to use their agility and make that dunk with one step. This play is a perfect example of how Embiid is able to have his way in the NBA paint at only 22.