Joel Embiid’s slow start to the 2026-27 NBA season has put his athleticism under the microscope, and Zach Lowe didn’t exactly soften the conversation.
The Philadelphia 76ers star, long known as one of the league’s most overpowering big men, has not looked like himself through the opening stretch. Lowe went after that dip in form with a sharp comparison to former MLB pitcher Jamie Moyer, using it to describe what he sees as Embiid’s fading explosiveness.
Zach Lowe on Joel Embiid:
— NBABase (@TheNBABase) November 9, 2026
"I said he's like reached the Jamie Moyer phase of his career, where he's just a junk baller. He's just like, he's Jamie Moyer. He can't jump at all." pic.twitter.com/mezfQM81D2
“I said he's like reached the Jamie Moyer phase of his career, where he's just a junk baller. He's just like, he's Jamie Moyer. He can't jump at all,” Lowe said.
The numbers back up the concern. In his first nine games, Embiid is averaging 17.9 points per game and shooting 38% from the field. For a player who has lived at the top of the league, that’s a rough opening by any standard, and it has naturally sparked questions about how much he can still drive Philadelphia’s championship push.
Not everyone is buying the harsh read, though. One fan fired back on X, suggesting Embiid usually takes time to get his conditioning and timing right.
“Lol keep that same energy @ZackLowe_NBA when Embiid starts popping off looking like his old self,” the fan wrote.
That same supporter also pointed to Embiid’s challenge of fitting in alongside four other All-Star-caliber players as part of the explanation for the sluggish start.
There’s still a long way to go, and Embiid will have plenty of chances to change the conversation with what he does on the floor.
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