Joel Embiid

Joel Embiid is probably the most difficult player to peg down in an exercise like this. You could rank him second and posit a credible explanation. You could probably rank him 50th and pull it off, too. The former MVP still has an ocean of talent and skill, but his body seems to fail him at every turn. It’s impossible to ignore at this point.

Whether it’s a perpetually swollen left knee or some other manner of random, tacked-on malady, Embiid just can’t seem to stay on the court, much less operate at full capacity. It’s a shame. We are watching one of our all-time greats get thwarted by powers outside his control. That said, let’s not pretend like Embiid is a complete shell of himself. When he’s available, the burly 7-footer still commands constant double teams at the elbow and supplies an invaluable defensive backbone for the 76ers. He’s automatic from the mid-range, still atypically efficient in the post, and a much better passer than he was even a year ago. Embiid has always been able to break out new skills each season. The work ethic is undeniable.

We will one day look back on this generation of NBA stars and accept Embiid as one of the greatest scorers this game has ever seen. Folks lament the constant free throws and “flopping,” but free throws are the best form of offense a player can generate. Embiid understands how to weaponize his unique strength and agility. He gets his defender in a compromised position and takes advantage. It’s that simple. If the body ended at the femur, we’d already have Embiid’s Hall of Fame trophy engraved (and perhaps a ring or two on his resume).