Sixers Star Joel Embiid Continues to Put up Historic Numbers

Through the first three weeks of the season, the Philadelphia 76ers are one of the hottest teams in basketball. A major catalyst in their 7-1 start to the year is the all-around play of Joel Embiid.

Over the past few years, Embiid has cemented himself as one of the top stars in the game right now. Fresh off winning his first MVP, the Sixers star has managed to elevate his game even more.

Embiid is regularly near the top of the league in scoring, but his playmaking has always been a weaker area of his game. That isn't the case now, as Nick Nurse's ball-movement-heavy offense has allowed him to tap into that area of his game more. Along with averaging just under 32 PPG, Embiid is also dishing out a career-high 5.5 assists per game.

In the Sixers' win over the Detroit Pistons on Friday, Embiid turned in another dominant performance to start the regular season. In 35 minutes of action, he posted 33 points, 16 rebounds, and three assists. This outing ended up putting him in an elite group of players.

With his performance against the Pistons, Embiid became only the fifth player in league history to average 30 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists through the first eight games of the year. The only others to do so are Giannis Antetokounmpo, Elgin Baylor, Jerry West, and DeMarcus Cousins.

Joel Embiid is the 5th player in NBA history to average 30 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists through his 1st 8 games of a season. He joins Giannis Antetokounmpo (twice: 2017-18, 2022-23), DeMarcus Cousins (2017-18), Elgin Baylor (1968-69), and Jerry West (1961-62). pic.twitter.com/ZrPzb7ruuK
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) November 11, 2023

Many wondered how the Sixers offense would look without James Harden, but they've found a way to fill the void. Embiid taking on some playmaking responsibility not only makes him harder to defend but makes life easier for others. Tyrese Maxey has also done well as the full-time point guard, but the Sixers need him in an aggressive mindset looking to score.

Already one of the most dominant offensive threats in the league, Embiid is slowly working his way into the discussion of best all-around players. With his improved passing, he is impacting every facet of the game on a nightly basis.