Valley of the Suns Season Awards

Rookie of the Year

Honorable mentions: Marquese Chriss (17) and Jaylen Brown (5)

3rd Place

Joel Embiid (47)

76er fans have been waiting three long years for “The Process” to finally pan out and he has not disappointed. For the past two season Embiid has not been more than a myth and social media fiend than NBA player. But Embiid has arrived and he’s here for good (hopefully).

Embiid’s production in only 25 minutes per game is absolutely absurd. Especially when you account for the fact he would not play late into 4th quarters. Embiid’s teammates fed him the ball on almost every signal possession. This makes sense as he bolsters the 3rd highest usage rate in the NBA. Embiid’s two year absence from organized basketball has allowed him develop a broad spectrum of skills. He can step out to the three-point line where he shoots 36%; he is mobile where he can run the floor on the fast break; and his post up game simply overpowers all opponents.

Per 36:

The 76ers have an extremely difficult decision this off-season. Embiid is eligible for an extension of approximately 5 years $151 million. The question is will the 76ers risk offering that contract to a player that has only played 31 games. But on the other hand do they even have a choice?

Unfortunately for Embiid the lack of games played severely hinders his chance or eligibility to win the award.