It’s fun to debate the impact of complementary pieces and secondary stars, but sometimes a team’s success rides on one central force. For the Philadelphia 76ers, it’s Joel Embiid — a generational talent and undisputed top-10 player. If the Sixers win a title, it will land largely on Embiid’s shoulders.
The 7-foot-2 Cameroonian is coming off his best season yet, which yielded a second All-Star appearance, fringe MVP consideration and defensive honors. He looks primed for an even better campaign in 2019-20, working hard on his body over the summer.
In the end, two factors sit above all else when determining what will make (or eventually break) Embiid’s fourth season.