Philadelphia 76ers big man Joel Embiid is one of the best players in the league regardless of position. The guy can do so many different things out on the basketball court on either end. He can score in the low post, he can shoot it with range, and he’s an elite shot blocker.
However, people question his drive and motivation.
He was once again the focus on ESPN’s First Take as Stephen A. Smith and Max Kellerman debated about Embiid and his impact with the Sixers on Friday. Smith says he does not have the motivation like Giannis Antetokounmpo to get better all the time.
Smith said:
I have no questions about the greatness of Joel Embiid, I think that he’s a phenomenal talent. He’s a big boy who’s got an outside shot he’s got moves around the basket he’s he’s agile, he’s athletic he defends he block shots…Here’s why I use the word disappointment, albeit slightly, because with greatness, comes great expectations, especially when you’re in the same conference as the Greek Freak, Giannis Antetokounmpo…he’s the reigning league MVP, and he’s followed that up by average in 29 and 13.
The premise of his point was that Antetokounmpo won MVP, yet he returned with something new to his game which is a bit of a 3-point shot and a will to absolutely take over games. Embiid gets criticized for not taking that next step just yet and Smith added:
Remember when we talked last year when they lost to Toronto? We actually contempled whether or not that was the best thing that happened to Joel Embiid because he was so hurt and so devastated by that loss to Toronto. It was the first impression that we had vividly seen where he was incredibly affected by it. It wasn’t a game to him anymore, that guy has been Giannis Antetokounmpo for years, and that’s what I’m talking about disappointment…the only thing actually, when it comes to disappointment, is that drive inside of him. Could you imagine if if Joel Embiid had the same attitude as the Greek Freak?
During this time of the pandemic, Embiid has expressed his desire to be in top shape for when the playoffs roll around, but until that happens, he will continue to be questioned and it will be up to him to put those doubts to rest whenever the season does resume. He will have a lot to handle in terms of his legacy whenever that does happen. [lawrence-related id=31078,31070,31057]