The most important player on each and every NBA team this season

By Ti Windisch | Aug 28, 2018

CLEVELAND, OH - JUNE 08: LeBron James #23 of the Cleveland Cavaliers defended by Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors during Game Four of the 2018 NBA Finals at Quicken Loans Arena on June 8, 2018 in Cleveland, Ohio. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

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BOSTON, MA – MAY 9: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the game against the Boston Celtics during Game Five of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 9, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Philadelphia 76ers — Joel Embiid

The Philadelphia 76ers have some strong options for the running of most important player. Ben Simmons is a jump shot away from being completely unstoppable. It could be argued even that Markelle Fultz is the most important Sixer. If he plays at an above-average level this season, the Sixers will have an incredible starting five.

Those players are certainly important, but no Sixer since Allen Iverson is more important than Joel Embiid. Embiid has a massive impact on both sides of the basketball, and his health is the single most important factor affecting Philly basketball.

Embiid will need some help to bring Philadelphia a championship during his career, but even with the young talents around him Embiid rises above the rest. His tireless pursuit of other NBA stars, and Rihanna, could result in the Sixers getting even better aside from their internal player development.

All of Embiid’s statistics looked better in his second season than they did in his first, but the most important jump for the Sixers big man was in games played. After sitting out two years, Embiid played 31 games in his first season and then 63 last year.

If he can stay healthy and keep on improving, Embiid will continue to not just be the important Sixer, but one of the most important players in the NBA. With the Eastern Conference in its current state, Embiid could carry the Sixers all the way to the NBA Finals.

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