“Talking numbers” is our section where we combine an individual statistic with an explanation of what’s really happening on the pitch. Our goal; Answer key questions, uncover hidden truths and pull back the curtain on why some numbers matter more than others. Today it’s Joel Embiid’s turn.
8.3
According to NBA statistics, that’s how many points per game Joel Embiid is on average like blocker activated pick and roll this season.
Why is this important? For a few reasons.
First of all, this data is the highest in the entire NBA. The gap between Embiid, in first place, and Anthony Davis, in second place, is quite wide, with the two separated by more than two points a night.
Second, it is the most points the Cameroonian has averaged in his career, and quite a few.
| Time | % usage | points per game |
|---|---|---|
| 2016-2017 | 15.0% | 3.6 |
| 2017-2018 | 8.4% | 2.0 |
| 2018-2019 | 7.6% | 2.0 |
| 2019-2020 | 10.7% | 23 |
| 2020-2021 | 12.5% | 3.3 |
| 2021-2022 | 16.6% | 5.8 |
| 2022-2023 | 23.6% | 8.3 |
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The reason behind this jump is not particularly hard to find. While the 76ers offense continues to be heavily centered around Embiid, the arrival of James Harden last season saw him join forces with one of the greatest playmakers of all time.
Sure, Harden isn’t the same player he once was, this is his friendly reminder that few players have reached the heights he did in his prime, but he’s still playing at an All-Star and All-NBA level. In addition to being Philadelphia’s second leading scorer with more than 20 points per night, The beard he is on pace to lead the league in assists for the second time in his career by averaging around 11.
Together they have done sharing art in pick and roll throughout this lesson.
As incredible as Harden is as a passer, it’s Embiid’s versatility as a scorer that makes them a great pairing on that side of the court.
The African has become one of the best mid-range shooters in the game. He has been particularly effective at the elbows and from the free throw line in recent seasons.
At 2.13 meters tall, Embiid needs almost no time and space to shoot.
Embiid isn’t someone who just catches and shoots, but is capable of creating himself off the dribble when defenders are aggressive towards him.
Add to that the fact that people his size aren’t particularly agile…
All in all, Harden made it happen 210 baskets by Embiid this season, which is the most assists by anyone on a single teammate. Not all of them were the result of direct exclusion, but a large portion of them were.
“From the beginning it was easy” Embiid told Jackson Frank of Dime Mag about his connection with Harden. “With his ability to create plays, all I have to do is put in a good screen. A lot of times, I don’t even have to get to the block because of the way we defend, so it’s about playing off each other.”
The problem they have opposing defenses is that they are limited by the number of shapes in everything he can address these actions. If Harden Embiid traps, he will free fall to the rim. If you are conservative, the African will punish you in the middle distance. And if you choose to change either, you’ll ruin your new pair.
Insiders have a hard time preventing Embiid from getting to his favorite spots. So how will Quentin Grimes be a threat?
The answer:
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Those pick and roll They have been an effective source of points for Embiid this season, helping him reach new heights as a scorer. It is very impressive that he has his average best scoring record (33.4; league-leading) while also winning his own best field goal percentage (53.9%).
Combine all that with what the 76ers star has already done and you understand how strong his case for MVP is.
And what is even more important for the 76ers, enrich their game even more. That should come in handy in the playoffs when Philly tries to get to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2001.
“We feel he needs a place where he can be instrumental in closing. That was a great conversation we had over the summer.”Doc Rivers said to put Embiid in more actions like this. “Everybody has their little area that they can contribute down the stretch. We felt like that was the step they needed to take and they have.”
The proof Embiid has is in this key number: 8.3
The views expressed here do not necessarily represent those of the NBA or its organizations.
