Filling Gaps with Embiid: Sixers Players Find Unique Balance Around Dominant Big Man
Tyrese Maxey, a teammate of Joel Embiid's, acknowledges the challenge of fitting alongside one of the NBA's most dominant players. "It takes a lot," Maxey said. "You've got to have a good feel for the game... Most of us, we don't grow up playing with dominant bigs like that." Despite these difficulties, players are finding ways to thrive in this unique environment.
A notable example is Trendon Watford, a 6-foot-8 point forward who has struggled to find his footing on the team. His unorthodox style makes it difficult for him to coexist with Embiid and other traditional power forwards in the rotation. "When I'm out there with him, I really just try to be another ball-handler to play pick-and-roll with him," Watford said.
Dominick Barlow, one of Embiid's most frequent frontcourt partners, has developed a strong rapport with his teammate on plays where they need to cut opportunities. While their dynamic is not solely instinctive, they do communicate at shootaround and rely on cues to execute their plays. "I think it kind of instinctive," Barlow said. "There are definitely cues that we have."
Jabari Walker, another two-way signee, has become a critical component of the Sixers' frontcourt rotation. He emphasizes the importance of "filling the gaps" when playing alongside Embiid, relying on his teammate's eyes and communication to find open spaces. "Playing with Jo is different," Walker said. "He attracts so much attention... So just being ready [is the key] playing with someone like that."
While players must adapt to Embiid's unique style of play, they also provide benefits for their teammate. Barlow and Walker give Embiid mental relief by taking on responsibilities such as rebounding and loose ball hunting, allowing him to focus on his scoring. As a result, the Sixers have become an even more formidable opponent when Embiid is in the game.
However, this doesn't mean that players just stand back and let Embiid dominate. Barlow's advice is simple: "I've learned that sometimes... you've got to get the hell out of the way." In games where teams aren't doubling Embiid, it's essential for his teammates to step aside and allow him to play freely.
This delicate balance between supporting and letting Embiid take over will be crucial in determining whether the Sixers can become a true title contender. For now, players are embracing their roles as facilitators of Embiid's game, finding unique ways to thrive alongside one of the NBA's most dominant stars.
Tyrese Maxey, a teammate of Joel Embiid's, acknowledges the challenge of fitting alongside one of the NBA's most dominant players. "It takes a lot," Maxey said. "You've got to have a good feel for the game... Most of us, we don't grow up playing with dominant bigs like that." Despite these difficulties, players are finding ways to thrive in this unique environment.
A notable example is Trendon Watford, a 6-foot-8 point forward who has struggled to find his footing on the team. His unorthodox style makes it difficult for him to coexist with Embiid and other traditional power forwards in the rotation. "When I'm out there with him, I really just try to be another ball-handler to play pick-and-roll with him," Watford said.
Dominick Barlow, one of Embiid's most frequent frontcourt partners, has developed a strong rapport with his teammate on plays where they need to cut opportunities. While their dynamic is not solely instinctive, they do communicate at shootaround and rely on cues to execute their plays. "I think it kind of instinctive," Barlow said. "There are definitely cues that we have."
Jabari Walker, another two-way signee, has become a critical component of the Sixers' frontcourt rotation. He emphasizes the importance of "filling the gaps" when playing alongside Embiid, relying on his teammate's eyes and communication to find open spaces. "Playing with Jo is different," Walker said. "He attracts so much attention... So just being ready [is the key] playing with someone like that."
While players must adapt to Embiid's unique style of play, they also provide benefits for their teammate. Barlow and Walker give Embiid mental relief by taking on responsibilities such as rebounding and loose ball hunting, allowing him to focus on his scoring. As a result, the Sixers have become an even more formidable opponent when Embiid is in the game.
However, this doesn't mean that players just stand back and let Embiid dominate. Barlow's advice is simple: "I've learned that sometimes... you've got to get the hell out of the way." In games where teams aren't doubling Embiid, it's essential for his teammates to step aside and allow him to play freely.
This delicate balance between supporting and letting Embiid take over will be crucial in determining whether the Sixers can become a true title contender. For now, players are embracing their roles as facilitators of Embiid's game, finding unique ways to thrive alongside one of the NBA's most dominant stars.
, but these guys are stepping up and doing their part to create space for him to dominate. And let's be real, it's awesome to see Dom and Jabari getting some much-needed minutes on the court - they deserve it after dealing with Jo's shadow all season 
. The key is finding that balance between supporting him and letting him take over, or else he'll end up carrying this team all by himself 
. Fingers crossed they can find a rhythm and make some noise in the playoffs!
It's defo cool how the 76ers is makin' it work with Embiid in the middle 
They gotta find that balance between supportin' him and lettin' him cook 
It's like, when he's on fire, you just gotta get outta his way 
And I think players like Barlow & Walker are doin' a great job of fillin' those gaps 
They're takin' on the extra work so Embiid can focus on scorin' 
It's gonna be key for them to keep it up if they wanna make a deep run in the playoffs 
gotta feel for these guys playing with joel embiid 
meanwhile, tyrese maxey is like "yikes, this is hard!" 
seriously though, i think playing with embiid requires a special kind of trust and communication between teammates... it's all about finding that balance where you're not competing with each other, but working together towards the same goal 
. its all about finding that balance between working together and letting one person shine 