Redefining Greatness: The Greatest Season Ever Taking Place?

Joel Embiid’s performance this season is truly extraordinary, and putting his numbers into perspective highlights the historic nature of his achievements. At the time of this post, Embiid is averaging an incredible 35.0 points per game. This scoring average alone would tie for the 11th highest in NBA history, standing as the third-highest scoring modern season since 1963. It is a feat surpassed only by the legendary seasons of Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant. James Harden hit that mark by using a “gather step” and living on foul drawing flops both of which were cracked down on by the NBA after.

What adds another layer of astonishment to Embiid’s performance is that he is accomplishing these scoring feats in just 34.2 minutes per game. This efficiency in scoring within a limited playing time is a testament to his exceptional skill set and impact on the game. Embiid’s remarkable season is not only making history but also showcasing a level of dominance and efficiency that places him among the all-time greats in the NBA history. Perhaps the greatest season?

While it is true they rules allow for more advantages on offense than they did in the past, the players are also much more skilled and the offense more refined. If he can maintain this level, it will go down as easily the greatest modern scoring season. Not only is he incredibly more efficient, he is scoring at a much greater per-possession rate. It’s really not even close. The kind of offense Embiid is generating isn’t similar to the advantages someone like James Harden was taking advantage of foul drawing, eurostep continuation etc that were called differently years ago. He’s still doing a lot of big many things, bigs more consistent over the history of the NBA.

Wilt Chamberlin

Indeed, the lack of per-possession stats from Wilt Chamberlain’s era limits our ability to make direct statistical comparisons in terms of pace and efficiency. However, examining per-minute statistics provides some insight into the remarkable nature of Chamberlain’s performances.

During the season in which he averaged 50 points and 25 rebounds, Wilt Chamberlain played an astonishing 48.5 minutes per game. This extended playing time was a result of a faster-paced NBA in that era, with more opportunities for scoring, rebounding, and overall statistical production. Chamberlain’s ability to maintain such a high level of performance for nearly the entire game is impressive itself.

While the statistical landscape and playing conditions have evolved over time, acknowledging Chamberlain’s per-minute impact gives this conversation more context.

Keep in mind the average FG percentage was much less back then so the rebounds are inflated with more opportunities. Also missed in this numbers is that Wilt played an estimated 131 possessions a game . That would only put Wilt at 38.47 points per 100 possessions.

This really puts it more into perspective.

Per possession, this is on pace to be the greatest season ever not only by looking at these stats, but with a PER of 34.8 it’s nearly 2 full points better than any before it.

Simply put this would be the greatest regular season ever if these numbers hold up.