ESPN analyst Stephen A Smith praises Joel Embiid for backing up his fellow centers throughout NBA History and for the GOAT debate
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When one thinks of the best player in basketball history, often the first name that comes to mind is Michael Jordan. MJ revolutionized the game of basketball and left it for the better. Known as one of the fiercest competitors of all time, Jordan has 6x NBA Championships to his name. He is a 5x NBA MVP, 6x NBA All-Star MVP, and has a very impressive resume to his name.
Back in 2019, when Joel Embiid was on The Ringer, he claimed that Wilt Chamberlain is the GOAT, not Michael Jordan.
Joel Embiid said Michael Jordan is NOT his GOAT. (It’s not LeBron either)
Read: https://t.co/Rx0Iis3QBu pic.twitter.com/R4IlGR7EVl
— Complex Sports (@ComplexSports) February 20, 2019
This got very mixed reactions from the NBA community. Dennis Rodman straight up told Joel to ‘Shut the f*** up.‘ Stephen A Smith heard Embiid’s opinions, dismissed it, but gave Joel props for standing by his fellow big men.
Stephen A Smith commends Joel Embiid for his GOAT choices
While Stephen A Smith totally disagreed with Joel Embiid for his GOAT candidate, he still respected Embiid’s answer. Joel picked up a fellow big man in Wilt Chamberlain, to make a case for as a GOAT.
Smith pointed out how Joel Embiid has always stood up for fellow big men, including Wilt Chamberlain, Bill Russell, and Shaquille O’Neal. Stephen A carried on by talking about the achievements that Wilt and Bill Russell have had in their career.
Max Kellerman budged in, and called Michael Jordan greater than the two, and ended up calling him “Wilt Russell” and “Bill Chamberlain”.
Smith ended up the segment by saying he doesn’t mind how Embiid is bringing attention to the big men and all they’ve achieved. The two believe Joel Embiid could be the best, most complete center in NBA History if he keeps healthy and performing at the rate he has been.
