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Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid flaunts big numbers on the attacking side of the field and there’s no denying it, but he’s not just a one-sided player. The big guy is also one of the best defensemen in the NBA.
Embiid is one of those shot blockers that makes defenders think twice and sometimes even three times before throwing a shot at him. His instinct and timing to get a blocked shot is impeccable and it allows the Sixers to be one of the best defensive teams in the league.
Even in the pick-and-roll game, trainer Doc Rivers is able to use Embiid more on the ball handler while having him stay in the paint to protect the rim. He offers a lot of versatility and that’s something Rivers didn’t realize when he took over.
“I thought Brett (Brown) did some good things with Joel in the pick-and-roll last year,” Rivers said. “We’ve put it in place every now and then so I think we move them around a bit more, but Jo has been fantastic and I thought he was too last year. He’s a better defender, I’ll say that, training him more than I thought he would, which obviously helps me.
Embiid’s ability to be up to the pick-and-roll while backing up and protecting the rim is impressive. He’s one of those guys that just has a great height and great skill and allows him to be the defender that he is.
“He’s just smarter,” Rivers added. “More intelligent and able to cover the ground. With this size, I never realized he had the feet he has and that his IQ helps too. He’s a very smart defensive player so you don’t really know that until you coach a guy. I was very impressed with him.
As the Sixers prepare to face the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday, they’ll need Embiid to continue his strong defense against a tough Cavs team.
This post originally appeared on Sixers wire! follow us on Facebook!
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