As the 2024-25 NBA season approaches, Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers has been ranked No. 8 in ESPN's top 100 players, a slight drop from his previous year's top-three position.

Former All-Star Kenyon Martin criticized this ranking, arguing that Embiid's performance last season warranted a higher placement. Despite injuries, Embiid averaged impressive stats and aims to prove his critics wrong this season, especially after winning a gold medal with Team USA.