Dec 22, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (L) and forward Nerlens Noel (R) work out prior to a game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

Jahlil Okafor Shows Above All, He Can Win With Offense by Josh Wilson

Joel Embiid hasn’t play a single NBA game yet, but the 21-year-old big man still has a bright future in The City of Brotherly Love

A while ago, I wrote a piece talking about how Kansas alumnus Joel Embiid is no longer a fan-favorite among Philadelphia 76 fans.

I discussed his immaturity regarding his rehab, the alleged “Shirley Temple” rumors and his overall presumed immaturity.

Perhaps all of the negative press Jahlil Okafor received was the best possible thing for Embiid. He was able to slide back from the forefront, collect his wits and realize what he needed to improve.

Since then, however, Embiid has apparently taken the necessary steps to clean up his act. Although he’s still a bit of a question mark, Embiid’s stock is growing every day.

Embiid’s stock isn’t the only thing growing, however. According to Brett Smiley of Fox Sports, Embiid grew two inches from when the team measured him at the beginning of the season. Young players growing during their first few seasons isn’t uncommon, but it just goes to show how physically gifted Embiid is.

It appears Embiid put down the Shirley Temples and started hitting the grind more, as he posted an Instagram picture featuring an impressive physique.

Coming along nicely #TrustTheProcess #shirleytemple A photo posted by Joel Hans Embiid (@joelembiid) on Dec 11, 2015 at 6:49pm PST

People who have paid attention to Embiid understand how rare of an athlete he is. There aren’t too many 7-2 centers who have the agility and pure athletic ability Embiid has been gifted with.

It’s hard for casual fans who couldn’t care less about the Sixers to understand how unique Embiid is, but that’s what happens when you sit on the bench for two straight seasons. People in the Sixers front office, however, know exactly what they have in Embiid.

There’s whispers that Embiid could be the team’s best 3-point shooter, as well as a feeling that when he’s healthy, could be even better than Okafor.

It remains to be seen whether Embiid can be on the court at the same time as Nerlens Noel, but one would imagine it would have to be a better combination than Noel and Okafor. Embiid can space the floor much better, using his Chris Bosh-like skill set.

If Embiid can come back and stay healthy, the team may feel comfortable trading Okafor to a potential suitor. To be frank, the Sixers didn’t necessarily want Okafor in the first place. They wanted D’Angelo Russell, but the Lakers, who were projected to select Okafor, nabbed Russell and everything got messed up. Okafor was the best player on the board, but it was also a move to prevent the talented Duke alumnus from falling to the rival Knicks.

Embiid can be the guy when healthy. He’s probably a better fit in the offense, too. Okafor is a classic big man whose best work comes with his back to the basket. Embiid is the new-generation big, utilizing his athleticism and quickness to make things happen.

The big issue I had with Embiid was his petulant nature. However, it seems like he’s moved on and he’s realized what he needs to do. Great NBA players don’t just have the physical makeup; they also know how to carry themselves.

Head coach Brett Brown has Embiid’s back, saying he’s headed in the right direction.

“I think everybody sort of sees more of him for a reason,” Brown said, according to Jessica Camerato of CSN Philly.com. “We think he’s heading in a really, really positive direction, both physically and mentally. We’re going at a pace that we’re all happy with. We understand how crucial it is that we don’t miss a beat and he does, too.”

Brown also alluded to the big man’s shooting ability, saying it’s ‘very unique to see a 7-foot-2 man have the touch and the form and the release of his wrists.’

Call my an optimist for having faith in Embiid, but the praise he’s receiving for his rebound isn’t unwarranted. It’s unfortunate because the city of Philadelphia will have to wait until next year to see Embiid play. But when he does, he’ll prove why the Sixers took him in the draft.