We’ve all been waiting to see Sixers center Joel Embiid finally make his NBA debut for what feels like an eternity now. But you can now hold your breath. Then, go ahead and breathe. Hold it again. Breathe again. Do this a lot. Even if you aren’t waiting for Embiid.
Back to the topic at hand: Embiid will finally make his 76ers debut, and his most important contributions should be on the defensive end, according to the team’s head coach. Here’s CSN Philly reporting:
|
Joel Embiid has yet to make his NBA debut, but after two years of watching him rehab from foot injuries and develop on the court, Brett Brown has a clear picture of the big man’s role on the Sixers.
“He needs to be the crown jewel, the centerpiece to our defense,” Brown said Thursday at his annual preseason luncheon with the media.
Over the course of his rehab, Embiid has been wowing with videos knocking down three-point shots. Brown, though, envisions him making an impact on the other end. He believes Embiid’s 7-foot-2, 276-pound presence is best utilized at the basket. Last season, the Sixers ranked last in the league in rebounds (41.2), opponents’ rebounds (47.6) and rebound differential (minus-6.4) per game.
“I think he’s a rim protector,” Brown said.
