Two 2014 first-round picks signed five-year, maximum salary contract extensions within the last few days, beating the October 16 deadline for rookie scale extensions. While both players are, of course, significantly valued by their respective teams, Joel Embiid and Andrew Wiggins have had very different NBA careers so far.
Embiid’s injury problems have been well chronicled, to the point that they’re hardly worth revisiting, but the upshot is that those health issues have limited him to just 31 games in three NBA seasons. Even when he did see the court, the Sixers center was on a minutes restriction, averaging about 25 minutes per contest.
However, in his 786 career minutes, Embiid has looked like a generational talent, combining an ability to rebound and protect the rim (7.8 RPG, 2.5 BPG) with a knack for scoring both in the post and from beyond the arc (.367 3PT%).
Wiggins, on the other hand, has been incredibly durable during his first three NBA seasons, missing just one of 246 possible games. He has also steadily increased his scoring numbers each season, pouring in a career-high 23.6 PPG in 2016/17.
Those scoring totals are more reliant on volume than efficiency though, and Wiggins’ ability to put the ball in the basket hasn’t been complemented by many other on-court contributions — his defense has been shaky, he doesn’t get many rebounds or assists, and his three-point shot, despite improving last season, remains somewhat unreliable.
Both the Sixers and Timberwolves locked up their respective youngsters because of their potential. In Embiid’s case, it’s his potential to stay healthy. For Wiggins, it’s his potential to develop into a more well-rounded, complete player.
Philadelphia’s agreement with Embiid includes some language that protects the Sixers in the event that the former third overall pick continues to battle injuries in problematic areas, like his feet and back. But in that scenario, the Sixers would have to waive Embiid outright, and they’d still be on the hook for significant guaranteed money — approximately $84MM if they waive him one year into the deal, $98MM if they waive him after two years, and so on.
Wiggins’ contract, meanwhile, doesn’t include that sort of protection. It’s a straight five-year deal with no options.
Given those parameters, which contract would you feel more comfortable with for the next half-decade? Do you have more confidence in Wiggins to develop his game and make good on the Timberwolves’ investment in him, or would you rather be in the Sixers’ spot with Embiid, rolling the dice on his ability to stay healthy and to become one of the league’s premier bigs?
Vote below in our poll and jump into the comment section to share your thoughts!
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I’m taking Wiggins all day. Obviously, if health wasn’t a concern, you take Embiid.
I just dont think Wiggins is worth that kind of money. His defense and shooting isnt at the max level and Embiid is only worth that if he stays healthy… both questionable decisions in my opinion
They are equal when healthy but Wiggins at least can stay healthy
This is not close to being true.
Embiid has way too small a sample size. To get that kind of money is crazy. With Wiggins you at least know his floor and can estimate a ceiling and what you really think he’ll contribute. You don’t get that with Embiid. Will he dominate or regress some to a lot?
How can anyone say Embiid? He can’t even stay healthy. History repeats itself, history doesn’t lie, he is injury prone and always will be.
So, 56% of the people who voted are sane, and the other 44% are Philly fans under the illusion that Embiid’s career will end up different than Ming’s or Oden’s or…
Wiggins wins all day long because he’s healthy. That’s not to say I think he’s more talented than Embiid, but talent level doesn’t matter when sitting in street clothes with a cast on a foot.
Wiggins is a younger DeRozan with a better three point shot, which in today’s NBA means he’s a max player.
Say no to drugs
Embiid. He has a non zero chance at becoming a top 5 player and leading a team to the championship.
Wiggins has zero chance at becoming that kind of star. He doesn’t do anything but isolation score at mediocre efficiency.
This is a tough one. When you max someone, they better be a difference maker on the floor. So the question becomes, is Embiid enough of a difference maker to make up for the fact that he will not be on the floor consistently? Is Wiggins worth max money for just being on the floor and being a pretty good scorer? I think in today’s NBA you take the chance on the potential difference maker and just hope he’s healthy when it matters. Embiid.
On another note, anybody on here want to hop into my fantasy basketball league? Let me know if you’re interested and we can discuss details via email.
Embiid = greater risk, greater reward
Both contracts are an overpay for different reasons, but if I had to gamble, it would be Embiid. Wiggins is the safer choice (and perhaps logical one at that), but the small sample that Embiid has shown providers a higher ceiling and impact to a team in need. If healthy, he’s easily a top 5 center, with potential to be one of the best (Towns and Cousins lead that position in my opinion).
I’m not sure Wiggins is even a long-run positive, while I think the Sixers have been holding Embiid back as part of their tanking.
The thing that has always been true of Embiid more than most bigs is that he correlates with winning.