Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid wants to take his game to another level this season. The reigning NBA MVP is looking to become a better playmaker.
“Make those passes and making it easy for everyone else,” Embiid said, via Gina Mizell of The Philadelphia Inquirer. “I think, this whole year, that’s going to be my big focus — to just try to get as many assists and trying to get my teammates involved as much as possible. … I never liked just being an [isolation] player. I don’t think that’s the right way to play, and I don’t feel that’s the right way to win. I like this system.”
Embiid averaged 4.2 assists last season. The future Hall of Famer led the league in points per game for the second straight season, averaging 33.1 points. If Embiid can average more assists this season, the Sixers can become more dynamic on offense.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
Embiid signed a four-year, $210 million extension with the Sixers in 2021. The big man has career averages of 27.2 points, 11.2 rebounds, 3.4 assists and 1.7 blocks. He has made five All-NBA teams, six All-Star teams and three All-Defensive teams and has won two scoring titles and one MVP.
The Sixers believe Embiid is committed to competing for a championship with them and finishing his career in Philadelphia, according to NBA insider Ian Begley of SNY. 10-time All-Star James Harden has requested a trade from the Sixers and wants to get traded to the Los Angeles Clippers. Embiid, though, has not given any indication that he wants to leave Philadelphia.
NBA NEWS & TRADE RUMORS: Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers Updates
The Sixers are not taking the New York Knicks’ reported trade package for Embiid seriously. The Knicks are willing to offer the Sixers a package that includes Julius Randle, RJ Barrett, Evan Fournier and Mitchell Robinson for Embiid, according to NBA insider Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer.
New York has made acquiring Embiid its No. 1 priority. Knicks president Leon Rose used to be Embiid’s agent at CAA.
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