Joel Embiid has exceeded even the loftiest preseason expectations through the first 21 games of his rookie season. He went from a long-shot candidate for Rookie of the Year in the eyes of oddsmakers to the runaway favorite, blowing away the competition with dynamite two-way play. The internet persona we came to know and love the last couple years is now running rampant, with the city of Philadelphia embracing their new star like few athletes before him.
His rapid ascent necessitates a change in how we evaluate him moving forward. He hasn’t just been the best rookie this season, he has been one of the most impactful players in the NBA on and off the court.