Joel Embiid is the best big man in the game, more talented than Nikola Jokic: Stephen A. Smith
When Joel Embiid is in a groove, it becomes a terrifying development for opposing defenses. The Philadelphia 76ers superstar continues to put up eye-opening production.
During Sunday night's win against the Utah Jazz, Embiid put on a show. He would finish with 59 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists, and seven blocks. For a team that has been without fellow superstar James Harden, Embiid has started to play like an unstoppable force.
Over the span of his last four games, Embiid is averaging 40.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 2.8 blocks per game. The superstar center numbers make him one of the most talented players in the entire league.
That's just what ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith believes. While on "First Take," Smith said that he believes Embiid is the best big man in the game as a talent.
"As a talent, he's the best big man in the game. In terms of his talent, I'd even put him over Jokić," Smith said.
"As a talent, [Joel Embiid] is the best big man in the game. ... In terms of his talent, I'd even put him over Jokić."
—@stephenasmith https://t.co/MrPutsnlE0
Joel Embiid with an impressive stretch of games for the Philadelphia 76ers
The Philadelphia 76ers came into the 2022-23 season with some high hopes. After an impressive offseason, many picked the 76ers to be contenders in the Eastern Conference.
After a slow start to the year, Philadelphia has been trying to dig itself out of a hole. That's when Joel Embiid started playing his best basketball of the year. For the season, Embiid is putting up impressive numbers. He's averaging 32.3 points and 10.1 rebounds while shooting 53.7% from the field.
Things weren't looking positive when it was announced that fellow superstar James Harden would be out for a month. But Philadelphia has suddenly found life and is starting to build some confidence. The 76ers have won three of their last four games. After starting out the year with three consecutive losses, the team now finds itself at 7-7 on the season.
Joel Embiid is the first player in NBA history with
50 PTS
10 REB
5 AST
5 BLK
in a game. https://t.co/SisDeid3fc
Joel Embiid has shown in the past that he can be a dominant superstar in this league. The only question has been his health. If Embiid can stay on the court, he can give the 76ers one of the most talented players in the entire league.
Embiid has played in 10 of 14 games this season for the 76ers. After missing three straight games, Embiid has returned to the court with a vengeance. Philadelphia will next take on the Milwaukee Bucks on Friday night. After that, they will welcome the Minnesota Timberwolves and Brooklyn Nets to end their home stand.