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The Philadelphia 76ers were very patient with Joel Embiid because they knew how unique of a talent he was.
One didn’t have to be a renowned scout or a basketball savant to realize that, as it was evident that the game was just easy and natural to him.
Unfortunately, injuries, bad luck, and — according to some reports — unhealthy eating habits have gotten in his way to the top.
That doesn’t mean he’s not one of the greatest talents to ever lace them up.
In a recent sitdown with Udonis Haslem and Mike Miller for their The OGs Show, ESPN personality Stephen A. Smith called him one of the most talented big men of all time (via ClutchPoints).
“[Joel Embiid] ain’t never play in no Conference Finals. But as a talent at the center position. He is in the conversation as one of the greatest talents we have ever seen in the history of basketball.”
— Stephen A. Smith
(via @theOGsShow)pic.twitter.com/T7GqltlqMb
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) July 14, 2024
As much as Smith believes Embiid desperately needs to get past the second round of the playoffs, he doesn’t take anything away from him from a talent standpoint.
Smith praised Embiid for his ability to step up on the court against any big man in the league and still produce.
He’s dominated every single top-notch opponent he’s faced in his career, with Al Horford being the only player who could contain him.
Embiid averaged north of 30 points in the playoffs despite being on one leg.
Even with Nikola Jokic also there, Embiid’s defensive impact may be enough to make him the best big man in the league.
Nonetheless, being available also matters, and Embiid’s physical shape has left plenty to be desired late in the season, particularly as soon as the playoffs start.
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