Philadelphia 76ers have been in decent form this season as they are fifth in the Western Conference with a 26-18 record. Ever since Ben Simmons’ absence, the Sixers have understood the importance of Joel Embiid. The big center was an important player for them even earlier but with the Australian point guard gone, Embiid has taken up the mantle and has delivered some exceptional performances.
Recently the Philadelphia 76ers won against the Orlando Magic 123-110. The Sixers were buoyed by the performance of Joel Embiid as he dropped a 50 points masterclass along with 12 boards to decimate the lowly Magic.
After a dominant win against the 15th placed Magic, Embiid made some controversial claims about himself. The big Cameroonian center claimed that he could play like superstars Shaquille O’Neal, Dirk Nowitzki, Michael Jordan or Kobe Bryant whenever he wanted. The Sixers was often highlighted with Shaquille O’Neal for his power game but comparing himself with Kobe Bryant or Michael Jordan was audacious from the Sixers center.
Before their match against the Magic, point guard Tyrese Maxey asked Embiid whether he will be playing like Shaq or Dirk to which Embiid replied by saying that he would like to play as himself. It was only after the game at the post-match interview where the Cameroonian explained what he meant when he said that to Maxey before the match.
“I said me because I mean at times, whenever I want, you know I’m able to be Shaq and whenever I want, I’m also able to be Dirk or Kobe or MJ or any guards, really,” said Embiid after dropping a 50 points masterclass and decimating the Orland Magic.
“Shooting off the dribble or pull-ups or ball-handling, just a combination of everything offensively. So I was OK tonight,” he added.
The Philadelphia talisman Joel Embiid also shared a video on Instagram that indicated his similarity with Kobe Bryant and Michael Jordan.
Although comparing Embiid and the legends will be a bit of a stretch but it is Embiid’s multi-faceted game that helps the Philadelphia 76ers to raise their bar and stay among the top teams in the Western Conference. Although the 27-year-old is not there yet his talent and skillset is definitely promising.
