10 players that Joel Embiid should've been ranked higher than on The Ringer's Top 100

Joel Embiid is obviously a polarizing figure around the NBA. He's usually involved in debates surrounding his playoff shortcomings or health issues. 

Despite his flaws, Embiid has widely been considered at least a top 10 player in the NBA for around five years. There's an argument he was a top three player from 2020-23, where he was an MVP runner-up twice before earning the honor in 2023. 

However, Embiid's stock is at an all-time low. That couldn't be more apparent than by The Ringer's Top 100 Players in the NBA rankings, which were released earlier this week. Embiid sits at No. 84.

The big man played just 19 games last season after dealing with knee problems. Embiid looked like a shell of himself and his numbers were down across the board, averaging 23.8 points per game on 44% shooting. Eventually, on Feb. 28, the Sixers shut him down for the rest of the season after playing in only 19 games. He underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee on April 11 and the timeline for his return is unknown. 

Even with those factors, it's preposterous to say Embiid is the 84th-best player in the NBA. Embiid will likely never get back to his MVP self, but it's ridiculous to say he can't still be an All-Star if healthy. 

That's a big if, but looking at The Ringer's rankings, there are other players who have giant question marks about their health. If Embiid's health is such a problem, then they shouldn't have ranked him at all. That would've been a more logical choice than to place him at 84. 

Here are 10 players that are shockingly ahead of Embiid on The Ringer's rankings:

Domantas Sabonis, Sacramento Kings  

Sabonis is a great offensive big. He averaged a double-double and added six assists. He's also never won a postseason series in his career. As much as Embiid gets ragged on for not making it past the second round, Sabonis hasn't made it there in four tries. He was a part of a mediocre Kings squad that went 40-42 this season. Sabonis is also a traffic cone on defense. Embiid on one leg is more mobile than him.

Ivica Zubac, Los Angeles Clippers

Zubac had a career season, but just isn't better than Embiid. Zubac is a great pick-and-roll guy, especially with James Harden setting him up. That's the thing, though — Zubac is a lot more limited offensively than Embiid. He's not a guy you throw the ball in the post and ask him to get a bucket consistently. Swap Embiid and Zubac and the Clippers likely don't lose to the Denver Nuggets in the playoffs. 

Zion Williamson, New Orleans Pelicans

This is where the injury argument against Embiid is so flawed, in terms of these rankings. The Ringer does acknowledge Williamson's injury history, after playing just 30 games this season — though they don't take it into account enough. He's played in only 52% of games since being drafted. When he's on the floor, Williamson is great, averaging 24.7 points per game on 58.9% shooting. He hasn't played enough to warrant a ranking over Embiid. 

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Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves

Gobert's best quality is his defense. He's elite in that department. However, his offensive game is almost non-existent, mostly relying on lobs to score. To add onto that, Embiid is one of the most underrated defenders in the league. His rim protection and ability to switch onto guards is very good. The gap between Embiid and Gobert's offense is much wider than it is between their defense. 

Deni Avdija, Portland Trail Blazers

This is where the names get a little silly. Once again, Avdija is a nice young player. He had a breakout year with the Trail Blazers, averaging 16.9 points per game. Portland was still 10 games below .500. Avdija has proved nothing to be on this list ahead of Embiid. 

Jalen Suggs, Orlando Magic

Suggs was primarily a defensive stopper during his first few years with the Magic. He improved his offense and averaged 16 points per game this past season, but only played 35 games. There needs to be a bigger sample size to show that he can be consistent.  

Michael Porter Jr., Denver Nuggets

Porter Jr. is a black hole on offense. When he gets the ball, it's often going to be a shot. He's a great 3-point shooter, knocking down 40.6% of his attempts. A lot of that comes down to having open looks due to playing alongside Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic. Put him on a team that doesn't have as many self-creators and Porter Jr. wouldn't be nearly as effective.

Cam Johnson, Brooklyn Nets

Johnson is probably a more well-rounded offensive player than Porter Jr., but is another player who doesn't belong above Embiid. Johnson's 18.8 points per game were inflated due to being on a tanking Nets team that lacked other options. 

Josh Hart, New York Knicks

Hart being above Embiid is probably the most maddening thing about the list. Hart is a pure hustle player. He makes absurd plays purely because he wants it more than others. That's about it. He's also an incredible liability in the half court. He shot just 18% from three in the series against the Indiana Pacers, who sagged off him begging him to shoot. It wasn't Ben Simmons-level, but still hurt the Knicks.

Josh Giddey, Chicago Bulls

After getting traded from the Oklahoma City Thunder, Giddey had the best season if his career. However, he's not even the best guard on his team. That goes to Coby White. Giddey and Embiid aren't even in the same stratosphere as players.