Former Sixers assistant coach impressed with growth of Joel Embiid

A former Philadelphia 76ers assistant coach has been impressed with the growth of star big man Joel Embiid.

Philadelphia 76ers big man Joel Embiid has continued to transform into one of the more complete players in the game. The guy can score at all three levels. He can handle the ball, and he is a game-changing defender.

He has taken huge steps forward in his passing ability and his ability to attack double teams. He has turned into an almost unstoppable force.

Former Sixers assistant coach Joseph Blair, the acting head coach of the Washington Wizards while Wes Unseld Jr. is in the league’s health and safety protocol, has been impressed with Embiid’s growth.

“I think it is just his basketball shape,” said Blair. “A few years back, he was a guy you’d question if he could play as many minutes as you need him to play, and even down the line, maybe he’s a little too tired. He’s just kind of reshaped and redevelop himself as an athlete. He’s more explosive. I think he’s a little bit leaner, stronger, faster. He still has the skills.”

Taking much better care of his body has been a huge help, enabling Embiid to play more minutes and lead the way for the team.

“He’s just an amazing player,” Blair added. “I have nothing but great things to say about Joel. He’s one of the pillars of this league.”

This post originally appeared on Sixers Wire! Follow us on Facebook!

[mm-video type=playlist id=01f09kz5ecxq9bp57b player_id=01eqbvq570kgj8vfs7 image=https://sixerswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

[listicle id=57101]

[lawrence-related id=57435,57432,57417]

Former Sixers assistant Joseph Blair to take job with Timberwolves

Former Philadelphia 76ers assistant coach Joseph Blair will take a job with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

The changes within the Philadelphia 76ers that have been made recently allowed one of their assistant coaches to leave for a new opportunity. After the Sixers hired Dave Joerger to their coaching staff on Thursday, that meant former assistant coaches must find new jobs.

Joseph Blair was brought on to Brett Brown’s staff in the 2019 offseason and he oversaw Philadelphia’s offensive production. With the firing of Brown and Doc Rivers coming in taking over as the new head coach, that signaled changes among the coaching staff. So that means Daniel had to find a new job.

Blair will join Ryan Saunders’ staff with the Minnesota Timberwolves with a new position. Blair will now have the chance to work with a developing roster and he is the second Sixers assistant to leave after Kevin Young joined the Phoenix Suns.

Blair was not able to get the offense really humming in Philadelphia, but that is most likely due to an awkward fit of their roster. With the Timberwolves, he will have the chance to work with young stars such as Karl-Anthony Towns and D’Angelo Russell. [lawrence-related id=38387,38360,38354]