Philadelphia 76ers big man Joel Embiid has been having a terrific start to the season. He has been squarely in the MVP conversation to begin the season and he has continued to put the team on his back every time he’s out there.
Some of the things that have stuck out for him to begin the season has been his ability to pass out of and attack double teams and his ability to draw fouls. He is shooting 11.3 free throws per game and he is shooting 85.0% from the foul line while averaging 29.3 points.
“I just want him to play in space,” said coach Doc Rivers. “I think when you put Joel in space, it’s very difficult to guard him. One of the things we talked about is being in space, attacking double teams with passes, and on an individual, don’t bail out guys. Make them play you and I think, overall, he’s done a hell of a job of that.”
It is helpful that Embiid has a highly successful veteran in Dwight Howard behind him to make sure he gets to the line. During his days with the Orlando Magic, Howard averaged 9.2 free throws per game and he averaged over 10 free throws five different times.
“He’s very smart when it comes to that,” said Howard. “It’s very crazy because when I played in Orlando, the goal was to get the big man in foul trouble early and then I see Joel, we’re talking about this a lot, make sure that the first two bigs get two fouls early in the game. You want to set the tone like I’m going to be aggressive, I’m gonna draw fouls, I’m gonna get to get to the free-throw line, and I’m going to make you pay.”
Howard even sees some parallels in his game with Embiid’s. His Magic teams were always one of the better teams in the East and he was at the head of the attack, but they were not able to get over the top.
“This season, he’s playing with a new intensity, a new effort, and coming from the same position, it’s kind of like we’re in the same situations,” Howard added. “Top of the East, playing really good, I just want him to keep going. I’m so proud of him, whatever I can do to push him whether that be in practice, sending him messages to help him, just do whatever, because he really has a chance. I see it, I see it.”
The Sixers will take on the Sacramento Kings on Tuesday to open up a 4-game road trip.
This post originally appeared on Sixers Wire! Follow us on Facebook!
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