Joel Embiid compares himself to Michael Jordan, suggests scenario that would be bad for 76ers

Joel Embiid wants to play like Michael Jordan

Michael Jordan, thanks to his six rings and unbelievable playoff success, is one of the best two players of all time.

While Jordan dominated in the regular season, he unlocked an even higher level in the playoffs, and Embiid thinks he could get away with coasting throughout the regular season if it meant posting better stats in the playoffs.

“What if I did this and I was like, ‘You know what? I’m just going to chill all season and coast and average 25? Or 20?’” he suggested in a vulnerable ESPN interview. “And in the playoffs, I go average 30. Would that make me look great? Probably. If I went from averaging 23 to 30 — a playoff riser. Oh, my God. Joel Jordan.”

While Embiid knows that he can take over in any given game, he understands that saving himself for the playoffs might not be the most sustainable thing for both his own career and team success.

In the 2023 first round, the Sixers swept the Brooklyn Nets despite Embiid playing in only three games and not having any massive outings, although he shined on defense and made plays for his teammates.

Still, he is haunted by the narrative that he didn’t do enough, as the Sixers lost to the Boston Celtics in the second round.

“I was fine with it because we kicked the ball out, we made shots, and we won,” he continued. “But guess what it did? It lowered the stats. So, if that’s the narrative that’s out there, I’m OK with that.”

Why Embiid’s plan won’t work well for the 76ers

If Embiid decides to be “Joel Jordan” and average 30 or more in the playoffs after a rather forgettable regular season, the Sixers won’t necessarily benefit from that.

Granted, he has perhaps more talent around him than he ever has before with Tyrese Maxey, Paul George, Jared McCain, and VJ Edgecombe, although his postseason track record leaves a lot to be desired.

In the 21 playoff games where he has scored 30 or more points, the Sixers are 11-10. When he takes 20 or more shots, they are only 6-13.

Embiid is one of the best players in the world because he can score with the best of them, sure, but he is also an elite defender, solid facilitator, and excellent interior presence.

While injuries have certainly changed how he is perceived, at the end of the day, Jordan is the GOAT not because he averaged 30, but because he led a team to six titles. It’s the players who do a bit of everything who are remembered fondly, and Embiid has the skills to do exactly that.