Fansided

5 most memorable moments of the 2016-17 NBA season

By Brendon Kleen

Apr 2, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward DeMarcus Cousins (0) and forward Anthony Davis (23) react during the second half against the Chicago Bulls at the Smoothie King Center. The Bulls defeated the Pelicans 117-110. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 2, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward DeMarcus Cousins (0) and forward Anthony Davis (23) react during the second half against the Chicago Bulls at the Smoothie King Center. The Bulls defeated the Pelicans 117-110. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Joel Embiid, tweets
Jan 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) reacts to his three pointer with guard Nik Stauskas (11) during the fourth quarter against the Houston Rockets at Wells Fargo Center. The Houston Rockets won123-118. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Joel Embiid’s triumphant return

Embiid’s return from a foot injury that cost him the first two years of his career has been one of the most fun parts of the season.

He posted a 50.8 effective field goal percentage, with 28.7 points, 11.1 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 3.5 blocks per 36 minutes. Embiid was legitimately one of the best players in the NBA this year. The Sixers were one point in the positive per 100 possessions with their rookie center on the court, and he mounted a serious NBA All-Star campaign. Unfortunately, he was limited to 25 minutes per game and never played both nights of a back-to-back.

Actually, scratch that — none of that was unfortunate, because it was just the parameters under which we were allowed to watch Embiid play. Doing so is basketball joy incarnate.

Not to mention the spotlight that his performance was able to put on his rambunctious off-court behavior. From hilarious Instagram locations and troll jobs to fun interviews, Embiid became one of the NBA’s most fun personalities off the court as well.

There was honestly a point in time where we all could imagine the Sixers making the playoffs while Embiid started the All-Star Game and won Rookie of the Year. Nothing gold can stay. Now we have another of summer of waiting and praying while Embiid recovers from a torn meniscus; Sixers fans deserve the three months of brilliance that their rookie gave them.

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