ESPN NBA rank: 5 youngsters who can improve their rankings this season

#3 Joel Embiid

Philadelphia 76ers v Miami Heat - Game Three

As long as we're considering Anthony Davis as a power forward (even though he's likely to be the Pelicans' default starting center this season), the notion of Embiid being the game's best two-way center should be counted as quite valid.

There's a lot to like about Embiid's game. He has the whole package on offense, thriving the most in the traditional sense from the low post region, but with the ability to stretch defenses out to the 3-point line. He's an adequate playmaker, devastating rim-runner, a willing screener and one of the best pick-and-pop roll men in the league.

Embiid belongs in the conversation of the league's elite. After a healthy offseason for the first time in 4 years since getting drafted, he has a chance to prove himself right. The biggest problem that has prevented him from reaching true superstar status is the fact that his conditioning is not elite enough to impact games from start to finish in the manner of a Westbrook or an Anthony Davis.

Assuming he's improved on that front and is able to play out a fully healthy season, he would be a legitimate MVP candidate if the Sixers win over 55 games this year.