76ers News: Joel Embiid Outperforming Some of The Top Scorers of Modern Era

Sixers star continues to put up historic offensive numbers

Through the first two months of the season, Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has arguably been the most dominant player in the NBA. His recent offensive numbers are up there with some of the top scorers of the modern era. 

Embiid is the reigning scoring champ in the league two years running and is on pace to do so again in 2024. In his first 25 games, the All-Star center is posting a career-high 35.0 PPG.

Recently, Embiid's points per 100 possessions were compared to other top scorers over the past 30 years. Along with having the highest scoring numbers, he has one of the best true shooting percentages of the bunch. Some of the other players mentioned include Michael Jordan, Kevin Durant, and Steph Curry. 

Most pts / 100 poss that some of the best scorers of the modern era averaged, and their true shooting % in those seasons:

Harden: 48.2 pts/ 100, 61% TS
MJ: 46.4, 56%
Kobe: 45.6, 56%
Russ: 44.8, 55%
Steph: 44.0, 66%
KD: 41.8, 57%

Joel Embiid this season:
49.7 pts / 100, 65% TS

— Div B (@statcenter) December 21, 2023

Embiid already cemented himself as one of the players in the league but is now chasing an array of all-time greats. His play this season has put him in the same conversation as some of the top big men in history. 

The main stat that has been brought up with Embiid is his 30-point, 10-rebound streak. Right now, he has achieved this feat in 13 straight games. The last center to have this long of a streak is fellow Sixers legend Moses Malone. Aside from missed games, the last time Embiid didn't post 30 and 10 in a game was November 17th against the Atlanta Hawks. 

Unfortunately for Embiid, his dominant stretch has taken a concerning turn. After rolling his ankle Friday night against the Toronto Raptors, he missed practice and didn't suit up on Christmas Day. The reigning MVP will likely remain day-to-day while the team monitors his ankle.