The NBA has seen its fair share of legends based on their impact and performance. The conversation often revolves around the numbers, the stats, translating to sheer dominance on the court. But what happens when a player’s impressive stats don’t seem to translate into a noticeable impact? That’s the question Gilbert Arenas, a former Washington Wizards 3? NBA All-Star, recently posed about Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid despite averaging great points.?

Arenas is known for his candid takes on his podcast, “Gil’s Arena”. He has been vocal about the current state of the NBA. Arenas reminisces about the times when Steph Curry and Kevin Durant were at their peak, describing them as unstoppable forces on the basketball court. Unlike the din over the duo, Arenas wondered about Joel Embiid’s over-sighted stats.??

Embiid’s impressive numbers but unseen impact

Despite averaging a career-high 33 points this season, Joel Embiid’s impact, according to Arenas, seems to be lagging. “He’s averaging 33 points, but that’s not noticeable for some reason,” Arenas said on his podcast.?

Arenas acknowledges it is undoubtedly a remarkable feat. However, he questions why it doesn’t generate the same level of excitement as Curry’s triple-doubles or Durant’s dominant performances in their prime.

When we think of Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant, we think of game-changers. Curry, with his long-range shooting, has redefined the game, while Durant’s scoring ability and versatility have made them MVPs. Arenas remembers them as the most feared players in the league. ?Like when Steph was doing what he was doing, when KD was doing what he was doing,? he said while highlighting their dominance.

Curry’s career-high average of 30.1 points per game in the 2015-2016 season and Durant’s 32 points per game in the 2013-2014 season were not just numbers. They were brutal statements and declarations of their dominance that resonated throughout the league.

Curry has won two MVP awards (2015, 16) while leading the Golden State Warriors to four NBA championships(2015, 17, 18, 22). Kevin Durant is currently regarded as one of the most versatile scorers. With four scoring titles under his belt and two back-to-back Finals MVP awards (2017 & 2018), Durant has proven his dominance time and again.

Embiid’s stats are impressive, no doubt. But Arenas’ point is that despite his high-scoring average, it doesn’t seem to command the same attention as Curry and Durant did during their MVP seasons. This statement isn’t a critique of Embiid’s abilities, but a comment on the perceived lack of influence his performance has on the game compared to Curry and Durant.