Joel Embiid’s greatness deserves a Ben Simmons deal right now

Given the early dip in his scoring and shooting numbers and the time he missed while in health and safety protocols, I think I forgot just how incredibly awesome Joel Embiid is.

He reminded me on Monday night.

43 points in a 127–124 overtime win over the Hornets in Charlotte. 15 rebounds. 7 assists. 40 minutes of action. All of which were team-highs. He was 15-of-20 from the field and 12-of-14 from the free-throw line. He hit the jumper that knotted the score with under 30 seconds remaining in regulation and scored or assisted on all eight of Philly’s points in the extra session.

Pure. Dominance.

When we talk about those who can function as the best player on a championship-caliber team, Embiid unquestionably deserves to be on that shortlist of names.

He’s a dominant low post presence who’s also become a dangerous mid-range shooter. He’s gotten better at picking apart defenses that inevitably try to take the ball out of his hands. And he‘s an incredible rim protector who can…