Does Joel Embiid’s Rim Presence Overshadow His Perimeter Agility?
Is Joel Embiid’s effectiveness beyond the basket overshadowed by his presence plying the trade up close to the rim? This query has recently been accorded considerable attention in the NBA community, as fans and analysts have taken to the proverbial dissecting table the talents of the Philadelphia 76ers’ star center. Embiid presents an unusual mix of skills that has not just made him a premier performer at his position but has, in all likelihood, revolutionized the center spot. His near-rim dominance has lots of company atop the mountain of skills that make him a nightmare to defend at every level, but company up there hardly makes a statement standout. So, even if Embiid’s not a human highlight reel from every conceivable angle he showcases, is it really a problem? Or should Sixers fans worriedly click on grainy mixtapes showcasing their main man being ably guarded in, say, the midrange?
Understanding Embiid’s Rim Presence
Embiid’s dimensions and skill set make him one of the most fearsome rim protectors in the league. He’s 7 feet tall and close to 280 pounds, which makes him a substantial physical presence that commands respect from opposing teams. He averaged 1.7 blocks per game during the 2022-2023 NBA season, which puts him among the very top shot-blockers in the league. But blocking shots isn’t all there is to being a rim presence, and Embiid’s extends well beyond that.
Below are specific stats that underscore Embiid’s impact around the basket:
- When Embiid was defending, opponents shot merely 47.1% at the rim.
- His ability to control the paint is showcased by his average of 11.8 rebounds per game.
- His substantial impact on the defensive end is indicated by his defensive win shares of 3.0.
Additionally, Embiid’s talent for starting and completing plays close to the basket substantially boosts his team’s offensive efficiency. His moves in the post, his footwork, and his ability to finish with either hand make him a defender’s worst nightmare. This constant threat forces opposing defenses to commit more manpower to him, opening up even better looks for his teammates.
Does Joel Embiid’s Rim Presence Overshadow His Perimeter Agility?
Although Embiid’s undeniable presence at the rim is well established, his agility and skills on the perimeter merit exploration. Critics might say that being so effective near the basket takes away from his ball-handling and outside shooting abilities. But this viewpoint misses the fact that Embiid is not your run-of-the-mill center. He is a player who truly operates at all levels.
Significant development in his perimeter game has been exhibited by Embiid. His shooting splits from beyond the arc have improved over the years, and in the 2022-2023 season, he shot 36.5% from three-point range. This ability to stretch the floor adds a new dimension to his game; in pick-and-roll situations, it places added pressure on opposing defenses.
Other aspects to think about are:
- His skill set when it comes to ball handling and shot creation.
- A fast first step lets him go by defenders who are slower than he is.
- Put up 30.6 points per contest during that same season, which accentuated his offensive flexibility.
Moreover, some analysts contend that his perimeter skills have evolved to now be a complementary part of his overall game, rather than a secondary focus diluted by his interior dominance. While he may not be the fastest player on the court, Embiid’s footwork and basketball IQ permit him to successfully navigate in both areas.
Balancing Rim Presence and Perimeter Skills: A Double-Edged Sword
Embiid has both perimeter and paint skills; balancing them presents opportunities and challenges. When it comes to his paint game, Embiid has no competition. He draws fouls, converts difficult shots, and finishes with authority. Also, as an anvil that leads to opportunities for those around him, when working in conjunction with Embiid, his skilled perimeter teammates have a better opportunity to knock down open shots. Embiid’s personality dictates that he’s going to be good at both the skills needed to compete in the paint and those required to play on the perimeter.
One example is when opposing teams try to prevent Joel Embiid from scoring inside the painted area. While they are focusing on that, teams are often leaving him unchecked beyond the three-point line, an area where he is now more than capable of scoring. In fact, the Philadelphia 76ers have often utilized this strategy to their advantage: They create mismatches that lead Embiid either to the paint or the perimeter. Meanwhile, teams are in disarray.
His capacity to do a number of different things is crucial for the team’s offensive flow and spacing. In fact, his perimeter presence and agility are almost equal to, if not greater than, what he brings to the rim. But even when you look at his total package, it’s a skill set that’s very rare. Not many guys can do all that he does.
The Bigger Picture: Impact on Team Dynamics
Is Joel Embiid’s rim presence more impressive than his perimeter agility? It’s a heavy debate because it reaches way deeper than just individual qualities and goes all the way to the performance of the whole team. This inquiry plays a big role in determining what exactly you’re supposed to do on defense against the 76ers. It certainly doesn’t make things any easier for opposing coaches and players when Embiid’s dual-threat presence forces you to make tough choices that almost always lead to mismatches.
Moreover, he can jump out and shoot, which creates driving lanes for guards and wings. This is a two-hand dynamic that allows players like James Harden and Tyrese Maxey to really make the most of defensive collapses, as we saw in the previous two clips. The synergy between Embiid’s rim presence and his perimeter skills makes for what I would call a well-rounded offensive attack.
As a result, Embiid’s impressive play on the hardwood does not come close to eclipsing his perimeter agility; it helps the entire team be more effective. It is not uncommon for analysts to point out that when it comes to the 76ers’ offense, Embiid is a two-dimensional threat, which is not just a pretext for a bad pun about his being an inside-outside player. He could indeed be called that.
To understand if Joel Embiid’s rim presence overshadows his perimeter agility, one must conduct a nuanced analysis of his game. It is not enough simply to watch a few highlights or even a few full games. Yes, he has a ridiculous 2001 Shaquille O’Neal-level near-rim presence. But it’s also true that he has, for the most part, looked pretty smooth and pretty swaggy shooting the ball, and getting to the spots he needs to get to in a way that pretty much guarantees you’ll be seeing him back in the All-Star Game this February.
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