The regular season hasn’t even started, and Joel Embiid already has put the NBA on notice.
The Philadelphia 76ers center made his preseason debut Wednesday night against the Brooklyn Nets, taking the court for the first time since agreeing to a massive, five-year contract extension. And he didn’t disappoint.
Embiid went off for 22 points, seven rebounds, three assists and a block — in just 15 minutes of playing time. Here’s his first possession with the Sixers since January:
Welcome back, @JoelEmbiid. https://t.co/qfkM1xIwqi
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) October 11, 2017
But the play that had everyone talking came in the second quarter, when the former No. 3 overall pick went to work on Nets forward Trevor Booker — then made a true statement after scoring the hoop-and-harm.
Embiid: 🗣"They can't f–king guard me" pic.twitter.com/jwkgHTDjOO
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 12, 2017
Well, he’s not wrong. Here are two more Embiid highlights, which frankly shouldn’t be possible for a 7-foot, 250-pound behemoth:
Joel Embiid is half man, half god, half possible centaur. Please stay healthy, Joel. We want nothing more. pic.twitter.com/4BgY6Jl2lz
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) October 12, 2017
https://twitter.com/barstoolsports/status/918278643486543872
Sixers fans have been trusting the process for quite some time — and it looks like their faith is about to be rewarded.
Felt great to get back out there and get a win… The future is bright #TheProcess pic.twitter.com/tuvREulpyR
— Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) October 12, 2017
Thumbnail photo via Bill Streicher/USA TODAY Sports Images
