Joel Embiid wants to win Defensive Player of the Year this season

Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid has high goals for this upcoming season, including winning Defensive Player of the Year. 

While all the focus for Philadelphia 76ers fans this offseason has been the ongoing drama with Ben Simmons, this team is still looking like legit contenders in the Eastern Conference. That will always be the case when you have a guy like Joel Embiid on your team.

Embiid is a force in the paint on both ends of the floor. While he’ll hurt you with his offense, the big man is ready to make a monster impact defensively as well. So much in fact, Embiid is eyeing a Defensive Player of the Year honor for the 2021-22 campaign.

Joel Embiid is ready to make this upcoming season a memorable one

“As I mentioned in the past, I have aspirations to become the Defensive Player of the Year,” Embiid said via The Philadelphia Inquirer. “For me, personally, I just got to be more active. It’s hard to do because, offensively, I’m also asked to do a lot. And I don’t mind.

“I love carrying the team on both ends. And I think that’s what probably makes me special.”

With Simmons not expected to suit up for the 76ers again, this means there will be more pressure on Embiid to help pick up the slack defensively. While Simmons had his offensive issues for the team, especially in the postseason, there’s no denying he’s a superb defender.

Everyone in Philadelphia knows this, which will make him eventually leaving the team that much more difficult. With that said, Embiid will be ready to answer the call and do even more to help put his squad in a position to win. Should he end up winning Defensive Player of the Year, it will definitely help people forget about Simmons a lot quicker come next spring.