Give this man a raise

    The idea of trading Joel Embiid is a laughable idea, especially after the past couple of games he has had. And if you are still on the trade Embiid boat, then literally jump off and swim for your life, because that boat is capsizing fast, if not already at the bottom of the ocean. Joel Embiid has already done insane this year, and looks to lead Philly to their first championship, but then he did this!

    Joel Embiid is a master of fadeaways, and has shown us this talent multiple times. His favorite spot is the elbow or the free throw line, where he consistently drains shots like nobody's business. So with the 76ers down by a point to Portland, and a wide open look, he took it, and nailed it. The shot was just two of Embiid's 39 points. Philly's win ruined Matisse Thybulle's first return to Philly. The Sixers actually struggled against an upstart Blazers team. Anfernee Simons shot three after three and finished with 34 points while Damien Lillard had 11 assists and 22 points. Anfernee Simons made eight threes compared to the entire 76ers' 11. But Embiid's near buzzer beater pushed the Sixers ahead, and the Blazers couldn't get a three in, or in time. Loud Sixers fans roared in the Wells Fargo Center after the 120-119 win.

Embiid's epic shot had everyone on their feet

Photo Credit: ESPN

    The close win obviously scared the Sixers so they made sure to take out their next opponent better. A quick win against the Wizards was pretty simple. The Wizards walked in, and walked out. Embiid dominated against a weak Washington squad scoring 34 points and grabbing eight boards. Tyrese Maxey stayed quiet, with only eight points in 28 minutes. His points range extremely, especially depending on Joel Embiid's presence. The 76ers definitely want more points from him, but they cruised by with a 19 point win, 112-93. 

    Next up on the Sixers' schedule were the Cavaliers. The Cavs and the Sixers have a nice rivalry, even though the 76ers often win. And the game was no different. The Cavs didn't just hand the game over to the Sixers, but Embiid Harden and Maxey all showed up on a road game. Caris LeVert made it tough on the Sixers, scoring 24 points, nailing five threes, and dishing six assists. Joel Embiid, however, was tougher, scoring 36 points and hauling in 18 rebounds in a monster double double. Again Joe Embiid flexed his versatility in game and led the 76ers to a 118-109 victory. 

    The Sixers played in Charlotte next, and the Hornets really should have just packed up and left. Embiid scored 38 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, all in only 29 minutes. He didn't even finish the game! Doc Rivers pulled him out, and really did the Hornets a service. Embiid would have scored 80 points and would have kept the Hornets under 70 points. Even without Embiid in the game, the Hornets lost their sting. They scored only 13 points in the third, and 15 in the fourth! James Harden had a triple double with 11 rebounds, 10 assists and...11 points. Harden really flip flops back and forth when it comes to points. He has really embodied a sidekick role, which was a lot different, especially since he's been in Houston. Philly won by almost 40 points, 121-82. 

    And if all this has not convinced you that Joel Embiid is the life and hope of the Sixers, than I really don't know what to say. Embiid is dominating every team he plays, and has guided the 76ers to a 47-22 record. They are in an excellent position for the playoffs, and have pretty much guaranteed a spot, all thanks to Joel Embiid. He deserves a huge raise. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The above photo was taken from an ESPN article. Photo not on page. Article written by Tim Bontemps. Image used for commentary.