Embiid used the offseason to elevate his game and even has shown that intensity in the Sixers' first two preseason games. Embiid is averaging 20.5 points and 8.5 rebounds in 23 minutes. Again, nobody should get too caught up in preseason statistics, but Embiid is attacking the exhibition games with regular-season intensity.
He appeared genuinely concerned with the way the Sixers began the third quarter Monday night in a 120-114 victory over the Orlando Magic.
"The third quarter, the start, we sucked — we were really bad," he said. "We have to follow the concepts, follow the game plan.