Do Joel Embiid, Philadelphia 76ers pose biggest threat to Boston Celtics?

Joel Embiid, the center for the Philadelphia 76ers, has been a dominant force in the NBA since his rookie season in 2016-17. He was selected third overall in the NBA Draft by the Sixers and has since established himself as one of the best centers in the league. Embiid's impact on the court is significant, both offensively and defensively.

Embiid's offensive game is versatile, as he can score in various ways. He is an excellent scorer in the post, with a strong back-to-the-basket game, and can also step out and hit mid-range jump shots or even three-pointers. He is a threat in pick-and-roll situations and can create opportunities for himself and his teammates. In the 2020-21 season, Embiid averaged 28.5 points, 10.6 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game.

Defensively, Embiid is a rim protector, averaging 1.9 blocks per game in his career. He is a versatile defender who can guard multiple positions and is a valuable asset in both the regular season and the playoffs.

The Philadelphia 76ers, with Embiid leading the way, have been a formidable opponent for the Boston Celtics in recent years. In the 2020-21 season, the Sixers won both regular-season meetings between the two teams. In the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the NBA Playoffs, the Sixers took a 3-0 series lead over the Celtics before ultimately losing in seven games.

Embiid's performances in those playoff games were particularly impressive. In Game 1, he scored a playoff career-high 41 points, grabbed 13 rebounds, and dished out five assists. In Game 3, he had 31 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists.

The Celtics have their own star players, led by Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown. However, Embiid's size, skill set, and dominance in the paint give the Sixers a significant advantage when they face off against Boston. The Celtics have struggled to contain Embiid in the past, and he has been a major factor in the Sixers' success against them.

In conclusion, Shannon Sharpe's belief that the Boston Celtics should be concerned about Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers is well-founded. Embiid's impact on both ends of the court makes him a major threat for any team in the league, and his performances against the Celtics have proven that he is a key factor in the Sixers' success. The Celtics will need to find a way to contain Embiid if they hope to compete with the Sixers in the future.