Joel Embiid had a massive game on Thursday night against the Nets, going for 39 points and 16 rebounds in a comfortable win for the 76ers.
After the game, Embiid talked about coming off the high of playing in the All-Star game, which he said confirmed he belonged amongst the game’s elite (true!) and then also implied he was “the best player in the world” (maybe not true!).
It’s trueness is sort of irrelevant, though. For 76ers fans, they’ll be delighted that their franchise big man is displaying that confidence. For a season that hasn’t come together exactly how the franchise hoped, the 76ers are still in good position to make a run in the playoffs.
It also helps to read the full quote.
“But the All-Star Game, just proving I’m here, I belong, and being the best player in the world, I just intend to keep coming out every single night and just play hard and trying to get wins and just go out and try to win a championship.”
Embiid is showing off a bit of braggadocio here, and I’m sure some NBA players will take it as a slight. But it’s not like he’s calling anyone out. He’s speaking with confidence, and for elite athletes, sometimes that’s the most important thing.
You want your star players believing they’re the best player in the world. It can’t happen unless they believe it. And sitting here point out that Embiid is not better than Kawhi Leonard or LeBron James, while true, isn’t relevant. What matters is what Embiid believes.
