Former NBA big man Channing Frye believes Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid possesses a significant offensive edge over Giannis Antetokounmpo due to his adaptable scoring skillset. This analysis comes as the Sixers look ahead to the 2026-27 season, aiming to move past a tough playoff exit where they lost their last four games, including a 114-144 defeat to the New York Knicks on May 10.
Channing Frye, a former NBA champion, didn't mince words when comparing the two MVP centers. He described Giannis Antetokounmpo as a "7-foot running back" while arguing Embiid's game is more complete. Frye's main point centers on adaptability, especially when dealing with injuries.
"If his ankle, knee, hip, shoulder, are injured, he can't play his style," Frye said of Giannis. "He does not have the skillset. Meaning shooting, middy's, post ups, threes, to balance that out like Joel Embiid does."
For the Sixers, that distinction is vital. Embiid has developed into one of the league's most versatile offensive centers. He can score from the post, the mid-range, and the perimeter while using his size to draw fouls consistently. That versatility was clear last season, even in a limited 38-game sample. Embiid averaged 26.9 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists while shooting 33.3% from three and 85.4% from the free-throw line.
Frye's argument isn't that Giannis can't score. It's that Embiid has more established ways to generate offense when his physical tools aren't at 100%. This could become more important as Embiid progresses through his career. His ability to score in multiple ways, regardless of health, is a weapon Philadelphia needs to maximize.
The team's recent form, however, shows they need more than just Embiid's scoring. Their playoff run ended with four consecutive losses to the Knicks. The results were a 114-144 loss on May 10, a 94-108 loss on May 8, a 102-108 loss on May 6, and a 98-137 loss on May 5. You can review the full schedule and results on our schedule page.
Their last win was a 109-100 victory over the Boston Celtics on May 2. Staying healthy is the big question for Embiid and the Sixers heading into next season. Philadelphia has assembled a loaded roster with Tyrese Maxey, Jaylen Brown, VJ Edgecombe and LeBron James now alongside him. If Embiid stays on the floor, his varied scoring could be the team's most dangerous asset in a championship chase.
Calling Giannis less skilled requires plenty of context. His production is often staggering. In the 2025-26 regular season, he averaged 34.4 points, 12.2 rebounds and 6.8 assists in just 36 games, shooting an incredible 62.4% from the field.
While their offensive games share some similarities, Giannis operates with a unique, overwhelming intensity. He's a force in transition, capable of full-court runs and overpowering defenders at the rim. He's also a dominant defensive presence, making him one of the few complete two-way forces in NBA history.
Frye's comparison should probably be seen as a compliment to Embiid's skill development rather than a dismissal of Giannis's generational impact. Giannis remains the more explosive and physically dominant all-around player. But Embiid's refined, varied offensive game is built to last and could age exceptionally well.
For the Philadelphia 76ers, that specific advantage matters enormously. As they build around a superstar core and aim to contend, having a center who can score efficiently from anywhere on the court, even when banged up, provides a strategic edge few teams can match.
