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10 biggest surprises of the early 2016-17 NBA season

Chip Murphy
10 biggest surprises of the early 2016-17 NBA season
November 21, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Toronto Raptors guard DeMar DeRozan (10) moves the ball against Los Angeles Clippers forward Luc Mbah a Moute (12) during the first half at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

https://youtu.be/ZaT5jPonfTU

Trust the Process

Sam Hinkie knew that Joel Embiid was the future of the Philadelphia 76ers. That’s why he remained so committed to the guy after two missed seasons. It was one of the factors that cost Hinkie his job.

Hinkie was right. Embiid’s awesome.

He’s a lethal threat in the pick and roll already (via NBA.com), and he’s made 50 percent of his three-point attempts.

YouTube video

The dude is only averaging 22.2 minutes, but he’s scoring 18.4 points per game. Much has been made of his historic per-36 minutes stats, and they are off the charts. Using this metric, you see his numbers skyrocket to 29.8 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.8 assists and 3.7 blocks.

Don’t expect to see numbers like that anytime soon. The 22-year-old is on a minutes restriction.

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Chip Murphy
Chip Murphy

I'm ESNY's Executive Editor for EliteSportsNY.com.
I cover the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets.
Email: chip.murphy@elitesportsny.com

Chip Murphy covers the NBA for Elite Sports NY. You can find him on Twitter @ChipperMurphy.