Joel Embiid chooses to be Dirk Nowitzki or Shaquille O’Neal before the game, says teammate

Tyrese Maxey won the Most Improved Player award last season.

Joel Embiid chooses to be Dirk Nowitzki or Shaquille O’Neal before the game, says teammate

Tyrese Maxey talks about Joel Embiid

Philadelphia Sixers star Joel Embiid is one of the most dominant centers in the NBA, alongside Nikola Jokic. Embiid, paired with Tyrese Maxey, forms one of the strongest duos in the league. Embiid’s combination of strength and quickness allows him to adapt his play style effectively.

Recently, Maxey appeared on Paul George‘s “Podcast P,” discussing Embiid‘s diverse skill set. He compared Embiid’s power to Shaquille O’Neal‘s and his shooting touch to Dirk Nowitzki‘s. Maxey noted that Embiid can choose different styles of play, sometimes emulating other superstars and other times simply dominating as himself.

Joel has this uncanny ability to decide who he wants to be on any given night. Some games, he channels Shaquille O’Neal’s dominance with a powerful, physical presence. Other times, he channels Dirk Nowitzki's finesse, relying on smooth fadeaways and a refined shooting touch.
Tyrese Maxey said

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Tyrese Maxey praised Joel Embiid for his leadership with the Philadelphia Sixers. With Paul George joining the Sixers, the team is a strong contender for the championship this season. George’s game can complement both Maxey and Embiid, helping to elevate their performances.

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Tyrese Maxey showed love towards Joel Embiid during the franchise ceremony

Tyrese Maxey was drafted by the Philadelphia Sixers in the 2020 NBA draft with the 21st pick. Coming in the draft Maxey was not rated high and was considered a normal role player. Many NBA scouts underestimated his talent but the Sixers management decided to take a chance. The Sixers management decided to team up the young guard with their team’s main star, Joel Embiid.

Since then Maxey has gone to prove all the NBA scouts wrong. He made rapid growth and even made his first All-Star game last season and even the Most Improved Player award. He also earned a five-year, $204 million contract extension during the Sixers ceremony earlier this month. After signing the extension he gave an emotional tribute to Embiid for always having his back.

Big fella, thanks for coming man, I really appreciate that. You were the first person to believe in me, I keep telling everybody that. Just walking onto the plane, you telling me to sit there, you bringing me a PlayStation meant the world to me; hope I’m not gonna let you down.
Tyrese Maxey said

After Embiid went down with a mid-season injury, Maxey carried the team through the regular season to the playoffs. His dedication inspired Embiid to return and play in the postseason.

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