Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers
In what has been the best season of his career thus far, it’s amazing the things that Joel Embiid is able to do at the center position – and at both ends of the floor. In theory, Embiid should probably win the NBA MVP award. However, because he has only played in 65 games (with just three games left in the regular season), there’s no guarantee that he’ll get the votes to make it official.
However, Embiid is a special player. That can’t be debated. But like many others on this list so far, Embiid has lacked the proper playoff success that gives him a certain level of respect that many of the all-time greats have. And because of that, there’s somewhat of a hesitation to consider him a truly all-time NBA great.
If he could win a championship this season, it would go a long way in cementing his legacy. Not only in the NBA as a whole but also in the city of Philadelphia. As the best player on the Sixers, it’s on Embiid to rise above every circumstance to raise his team to new heights. Even a trip to the conference finals this season would go a long way in cementing his legacy.