Good things come to those who wait, and Sixer fans are realizing that this is true. After a frustrating two years, center Joel Embiid is finally on the court, and playing the best basketball any Sixer has in recent memory. Embiid is proving to be the hope that Sixer fans have longed for over that past few seasons.

In the 2014 college basketball season, no two players were has hyped as Kansas freshman Andrew Wiggens and Duke freshman Jabari Parker. With all of the emphasis on these two players, everyone else played in the shadows. This includes Embiid, who averaged 11.2 points per game 8.1 rebounds per game in his only season at Kansas, not to mention he also stood at a height of seven feet two inches, making him a prominent shot blocker and rim protector. Embiid played on the same Kansas team as Wiggens, so he was always a second thought. Embiid also suffered a back injury which kept him out of the Big 12 tournament and the NCAA tournament. Even with dealing with injuries and little experience, Embiid declared for the 2014 NBA draft.

In the 2014 NBA draft, the Sixers had the third overall pick, behind the Timberwolves and the Bucks. Wiggens and Parker were drafted first and second overall respectively, which left the Sixers in an awkward spot. Sitting in front of them was unspeakable potential. A seven-foot two-inch player was stardom waiting to happen. However, the Sixers did have to take Embiid’s back injury into consideration. Taking a risk, the Sixers selected Embiid with the third overall pick.

Fans knew of Embiid’s injury and hoped it wouldn’t skew his career in the wrong direction. After a tough offseason of little progress, Sixer fans were devastated when they heard of a foot injury to Embiid, which would cause him to miss his entire rookie season. After the 2014 season finally ended, fans eagerly awaited Embiid’s return to the court, but they would be disappointed yet again. Embiid re-injured his foot and was set to miss the entire 2015 season. During this season, reports surfaced about Embiid’s negative attitude and work ethic. Some said he was out of shape. Some fans stuck with Embiid while others thought he’d never play. He was finally cleared to play in the 2016 season and has silenced doubters.

Embiid is giving Sixer fans a reason to watch. He is proving to be a cornerstone that the team can build around. Embiid is averaging 18.5 points per game, 7.6 rebounds per game, and even 2.4 blocks per game while only playing on a 24 to 28-minute restriction. He is also making 50% of his three pointers. Sixer fans can only dream of the production from Embiid once he is fully recovered and allowed to play as many minutes as coach Brett Brown wants. Embiid also brings energy to the stadium and the fans. Personally, I have never heard the Wells Fargo Center cheer so loud when someone does something as simple as making a basket in years. The “Trust the process” chant fills the atmosphere. Embiid brings a certain authority to the stadium, and the fans love it.

Embiid proves that being patient pays off. His early success has fans excited, and they can only dream about what he’ll bring to the future. With a budding star and other rising contributors, the Sixers will soon be a dominant force in NBA.