“I Can Also Be that Guy”: Joel Embiid Feels He Can Be the Michael Jordan of Philadelphia 76ers

The Last Dance showed what type of teammate Michael Jordan is. He will be very hard and you have to earn it respect. But ultimately that brought out the best from everyone. Being around Jordan made you want to play better. Philadelphia Sixers star Joel Embiid thinks he can also do the same.

Since entering the league in 2016, Embiid has been a force to be reckoned with. His dominance in the paint, outside shooting ability, and his athleticism have been instrumental in the 76ers’ ability to turn from a tanking team to a contending team. Along with Ben Simmons, Sixers have a strong young who are the present and the future of the organization.

Joel Embiid thinks he can the Michael Jordan for the 76ers

Everyone who watched The Last Dance was not only in awe of Michael Jordan, but was also felt inspired. Embiid also said he watched it but also had some observations. “I did watch it. It was interesting,” Embiid said. “I saw a lot of similarities and a lot of people have told me that. … I can also be that guy, I just need to keep putting in the work and that’s what I’ve been doing.”

Throughout this season, Embiid has faced a lot of criticism for not being tough enough. Both Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal said that they expect more from him. Shaq made an appeal to him saying, “We’re telling you, ‘You can be great. You ain’t playing hard enough.'” Embiid accepted the criticism and said “I do think they’re right. I think I need to be more aggressive, and just look to impose myself and look to dominate.”

Since he was drafted third overall in 2014, Embiid missed his first two seasons with a foot injury. Since his return, he has come out all guns blazing, averaging over 20 points per game in each season and also making the All-Star appearance in three of his four seasons.

After Jimmy Butler left the Sixers, they needed someone to step u and fill that leadership void. Embiid has the skills, he just needs to work on his mentality. Veteran Al Horford already praised him for his leadership. “To be fair, even though they are younger, I’m looking to Joel as our leader.”

Embiid has the potential to be a franchise player at Philly. With the right pieces around him, he can lead them to great heights. They were close last year, after being eliminated by a last-second shot by then Raptors’ star Kawhi Leonard.