The first 22 games of Joel Embiid have exceeded all reasonable expectations. He’s leading the team in three-point percentage, anchoring an otherwise erratic defense, and producing efficiently with an unprecedented usage percentage. It’s easy to begin dreaming of how quickly the Sixers can ascend now that they have Embiid on the court.
Before we put the cart before the horse, however, it’s worth looking at tonight’s Sixers opponent as an example of how not to build around a budding star.
The tales of New Orleans and Philadelphia have been intertwined over the last few seasons thanks to Sam Hinkie’s opening trade as Sixers GM.