Particularly given the news about Ben Simmons, the Philadelphia 76ers are fortunate to have Joel Embiid active and healthy. Embiid’s first few stints of live NBA action this preseason have been solid showings. He’s put the hype on display, showing his scoring ability and legitimate presence on both ends of the floor at 7-foot-2.
Sixers head coach Brett Brown doesn’t just think Embiid is his team’s focal point, but he sees the “it” factor that was once seen in Tim Duncan, as he told Jessica Camerato of CSN Philly:
“I think that he is going to be the focal point both offensively and defensively,” Brown said Thursday.
You see him and he just has ‘it,’” Brown said. “Years ago, you saw it with [Tim] Duncan. I see it with him in regards to a real target offensively and a real sort of centerpiece defensively.”
Brown could be guilty of a bit of bias here. Aligning Embiid with the likes of Tim Duncan this early might be considered nonsensical by some. As a former coach of the Spurs, Brown was around Tim Duncan in those early years, so he does have some credibility on the matter.
Be clear, the “it” factor doesn’t suggest that Embiid will be as good as Duncan. I think Brown is more so speaking to Embiid’s awareness, IQ, and effort. It could also be referring to Embiid’s desire to simply continue improving. Either way, the expectations being placed on Embiid are significant for him to live up to.
