Joel Embiid The Best Center Currently?

by | Mar 12, 2021 | General | 0 comments

PHILADELPHIA, PA – NOVEMBER 30: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on against the Indiana Pacers at the Wells Fargo Center on November 30, 2019, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The 76ers defeated the Pacers 119-116. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) GETTY IMAGES
Even when dealing with injuries, the 4x all-star has still been able to put up a consistent average of around 20 points a game while having a career stat of 48% from the field. However, others may argue that Nikola Jokic is better. Comparing the two for one, Jokic has a better backcourt, arguably one of the most underrated points guards, Jamal Murray. From a defensive standpoint, both Murray and Jokic are threats offensively; both players have on and off games when the defense focuses on them. However, despite being doubled and even tripled teamed, Embiid still maintains an average of 30.2 points per game this season. Not to mention he’s currently one of the top MVP candidates. With six fewer games played, Embiid is currently outscoring, outrebounding, and overall having a better defensive and scoring year than Jokic. However, giving credit where credit is due, Jokic is having a better year handling the ball and shooting. But playmaking and shooting can only get you so far, especially since the nuggets currently sit at the sixth seed in the west.
Who is the better pick in 2018-19 fantasy basketball drafts: Joel Embiid or Nikola Jokic? Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire
But we also never gotten into dominance between the two and primarily Joel Embiid himself. In the current 2020-2021 season, both players have had 40 point games with Embiid’s better stat line. Comparing their 40 point games, Jokic’s stats that game was 41-5-5-1 shooting 53% against the Trail Blazers. In comparison, Embiids was 40-19-3-1-2, shooting only 51% against the Jazz. Let’s also not forget that Embiid dominated Rudy Gobert while Jokic was dealing with Enes Kanter. Though Kanter didn’t have the best scoring night, he still managed to grab 14 rebounds against Jokic. Don’t get me wrong; both centers are dominant, but when you’re able to have a poor shooting night while also getting tripled and still managed to drop 18 points says a lot. Against the Raptors, Embiid put up 18 points shooting a terrible 3-13, proving to be one of his worst shooting nights this season. Let’s also not side away from the fact that when Embiid has a high-scoring game, his stat line is better than Jokic’s. Embiid’s best game so far in the season against the Bulls. He put up 50-17-5-2-4, which is better compared to Jokic’s 41 point game against Portland. As the season moves on, we’ll keep seeing how both centers play and how dominant each can be. But with how consistent Embiid has been, there should be no doubt that he’ll take home the MVP this year. Remember, trust the process.
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I go to De Anza college and major in journalism. I’m an aspiring sports journalist/ analysts. I also play football in hopes of also making it to the NFL.

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