Joel Embiid’s shooting slump gives Sixers something to sort out

The Sixers don’t need Joel Embiid to carry their offense every night anymore. They do need him to make more of the shots he takes.

That’s the concern emerging from Embiid’s recent stretch, even with Philadelphia’s strong start providing some room to work through it.

As Siddhant Gupta of Fadeaway World details, Embiid has averaged 13.3 points and shot just 24.3% from the field over his last three games. That includes an 0-of-9 performance against the Cavs and a 2-of-9 outing in Tuesday’s 123-101 loss to the Celtics.

In between, he supplied 18 points, 10 rebounds and five assists in a win over the Bulls. Even then, he needed 19 shots to make seven.

There’s a reasonable explanation for the reduced scoring average. Tyrese Maxey has taken on a larger role, and adding Jaylen Brown and LeBron James means possessions are being distributed differently. Embiid is averaging 14.6 field-goal attempts and 17.7 points this season.

But fewer opportunities and poor efficiency are separate issues. Sharing the offense can explain why Embiid isn’t putting up his old scoring totals. It doesn’t fully explain going 9-of-37 over three games.

The Sixers can still get considerable value from his screening, passing, rebounding and defense. With this much scoring around him, a productive Embiid night doesn’t have to mean 30 points.

It does have to mean opponents remain concerned about what happens when he gets the ball.

Three games aren’t enough to declare a permanent decline, particularly while a new group is sorting out its responsibilities. Philadelphia’s 9-3 record also makes this a problem to address rather than a reason to overhaul everything.

Still, the standard can’t simply be that Embiid no longer has to do as much. A smaller offensive role should give him a chance to be more selective and effective.

The Sixers have enough talent to absorb a shooting slump. Getting where they want to go will require more from their former MVP.

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