CAMDEN, N.J. — Philadelphia 76ers star big man Joel Embiid is the reigning MVP for a reason.
The big fella does it all on the basketball court. He can knock down a 3-pointer. He can score from the mid-range. He can attack the basket. He has post moves, and he can get to the line. You name it, he can do it.
Embiid put his full game on display again on Wednesday when the Sixers knocked off the host Washington Wizards, 131-126. The big man looked at the Wizards, and he saw how easy it was to get his points. He shot 19-for-29 on the night and made everything look simple.
Marcus Morris Sr., who has had his dust-ups with Embiid in the past, praised his teammate and the work he does.
“I’ve been around a lot of guys,” Morris said at practice on Thursday. “The Kawhis (Leonard), the PGs (Paul George), the James Hardens and the Kyries (Irving). I don’t think I’ve been around a player like that before. Just straight dominant in all areas of the court and defensively, too.”
On the season, Embiid is averaging 33.1 points, 11.4 rebounds, 6.6 assists and 1.8 blocks per game. He is a marvel on both ends of the floor and few players compare.
“A lot of guys are on one side,” Morris said of Embiid. “He actually puts his body on the line every night flying and trying to get blocks, rebounds, just being available every night. I take my hat off to him, but he’s definitely the best player that I’ve been around.”
Embiid continues to develop his game. He may have won the MVP award for the 2022-23 season, but he is arguably playing even better basketball to begin this season. He is one of the top players in the game and is approaching even greater all-time status.
“Joel, the (expletive) I be seeing, I can’t believe it,” Morris said. “Like all the (expletive) he can do on a basketball court at that size, being able to be mobile like that, and still like be a good defender. (Expletive). He got the MVP for a reason. I see it now.”
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