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Kansas Basketball: Best Jayhawks currently in the NBA

By Chris Taylor

BOSTON, MA - MAY 9: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the game against the Boston Celtics during Game Five of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 9, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
BOSTON, MA - MAY 9: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the game against the Boston Celtics during Game Five of the Eastern Conference Semifinals of the 2018 NBA Playoffs on May 9, 2018 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – MAY 07: Philadelphia 76ers Center Joel Embiid (21) walks the court in his custom face mask before the Eastern Conference Semifinal Game between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers on May 07, 2018 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – MAY 07: Philadelphia 76ers Center Joel Embiid (21) walks the court in his custom face mask before the Eastern Conference Semifinal Game between the Boston Celtics and Philadelphia 76ers on May 07, 2018 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Joel Embiid has become one of the most feared big men in the NBA

Trust the process. Joel Embiid is likely the most dominant big man to come out of Kansas basketball since Wilt. He has every tool in the shed at his disposal when it comes to being an NBA big, and he uses those tools with precision.

While playing for Kansas basketball his freshman year, he averaged 11 points, 8 rebounds, and almost 3 blocks per game. He was named the 2014 Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year.

Embiid suffered a stress fracture in his lower back in March of his freshman year, causing him to miss the Big 12 Tournament and the NCAA Tournament.

He was taken third overall by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2014 NBA draft, two spots after teammate Andrew Wiggins. The 76ers drafted Joel despite having surgery on his foot six days previous, causing him to miss four to six months at the time.

Embiid would miss the entire 2014-2015 season due to complications with that same foot. Later, it was determined he would miss the 2015-2016 season as well after a second foot surgery.

On October 26th, 2016, he finally stepped onto the court in the season opener as the 76ers starting center. In 32 games he averaged 20 points, eight rebounds, and 2.5 blocks. On the 29th of February, 2017, it was announced he would miss the remainder of the season with a torn meniscus on the left knee. He still made the 2017 NBA All-Rookie First Team in spite of playing less than half the season.

During the 2017-2018 season, he made the long wait worth the while. He became an NBA All-Star, made the All-NBA Second Team, and the NBA All-Defensive Second Team.

He averaged 22.9 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 blocks this past season, becoming a dominant center in a league with very few talented big men.

Next: Most disappointing one and done Jayhawks

If Embiid can stay healthy, he will be a certain first-ballot Hall of Famer. His presence on the court is something to witness, as he manhandles grown men day in, and day out.

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