Joel Embiid's offensive game requires defenses to throw more at him compared to Giannis, who struggles with mid-range shooting.
Giannis offers versatility on defense with his ability to switch, roam behind the play, and protect the rim, while Embiid excels as a rim protector with excellent presence and effort in the paint.
Giannis' ability to consistently score at the rim and his efficiency in doing so make him a difficult player to limit, giving him a slight edge over Embiid in terms of offensive impact in playoff settings.
Deep dives
Janis vs Embiid offensive styles
Janis operates in short roll situations and can attack in multiple ways in the half court. Embiid has a diverse scoring package, excelling in mid-range jumpers and has a feathery soft touch from that position. Embiid's offensive game requires defenses to throw more at him compared to Janis, who struggles with mid-range shooting. Janis thrives in transition, while Embiid is more effective in the half court.
Defensive skills
Janis offers versatility on defense with his ability to switch, roam behind the play, and protect the rim. However, his off-ball defense can be a weakness at times. Embiid, on the other hand, excels as a rim protector, stacking up with some of the best numbers in that area. While he may not have the same versatility as Janis, he showcases excellent presence and effort in the paint.
Building a defense around them
Janis benefits from having a good defensive forward alongside him, allowing for more flexibility in defensive coverages. While Embiid also benefits from a solid defensive forward, his playing style and limitations in quickness make it challenging to build a championship-level defense solely around him. Janis offers a higher defensive ceiling due to his versatility and ability to impact the game in multiple ways.
Analyzing Playoff Scoring with Giannis
The podcast explores the playoff scoring performance of Giannis Antetokounmpo. It is highlighted that Giannis excels in getting to the rim and has a higher rate of shots at the rim during the playoffs compared to the regular season. His efficiency at the rim also remains impressive. Despite claims that it is easy to scheme against Giannis, his ability to consistently score at the rim and his efficiency in doing so make him a difficult player to limit.
Comparing Offensive Potential and Impact
The podcast delves into the offensive capabilities and impact of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Joel Embiid in playoff settings. While Embiid may have a stronger regular season performance this year, the focus is on their potential in the playoffs. Embiid's offensive skills and ability to create and collapse defenses are discussed. However, it is argued that Giannis' overall defensive impact and his ability to contribute to a championship-level offense make him a slightly preferred option. The conversation also touches on the importance of team context and the potential game-planning challenges for both players.
Who is better right now, Joel Embiid or Giannis Antetokounmpo? We discuss the offensive and defensive strengths of these former MVPs, the new context of their seasons (and coaches), Embiid's passing improvement, their defensive versatility and more in this resurrection of the Great Debates series. With @codyhoudek. Support at www.patreon.com/thinkingbasketball
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