With Joel Embiid being one of the most notable centers in the NBA, every incoming big man has to wonder if he can compete The Philadelphia 76ers All-Star when they face him.
If you ask Oklahoma City Thunder star Chet Holmgren, he’ll tell you there’s no one in the NBA who can defend the Sixers’ center one-on-one.
Holmgren discovered this early in his career. Before he stepped foot with the Thunder, he participated in an offseason workout with Embiid. At first, the former Gonzaga star held his ground. When Embiid got upset by his coach, Drew Hanlen, he stepped up his game.
“I made shots and I made a game-winning shot,” Holmgren recalled on “Podcast P“with Paul George.”…Then he went out and scored nine baskets in a row.”
“We played one-on-one in the middle of a pick-up game. He put eight people on the other side of the field and said no passing allowed. So we played one-on-one. I couldn’t do that. [expletive]People always say, “He’s not going to be able to defend Embiid when he gets to the NBA.” Nobody can defend [Embiid] one on one! That’s why you don’t see anyone guarding [him] “He sees double teams every night,” Holmgren concluded.
Much like Embiid, Holmgren’s NBA career started later than expected due to a serious injury suffered before his first game. At this point, the Thunder center has a full season under his belt and has faced Embiid in a game twice.
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The young veteran performed well against the Sixers last year. He scored 33 points, grabbed six rebounds and had two assists in the first outing. A few months later, he produced 22 points, seven rebounds and an assist.
On the other hand, Embiid averaged 30 points, nine rebounds and eight assists in those two games. The Sixers went 2-0 against Oklahoma City in the 2023-24 matchup.
Holmgren can hold his own against Embiid, but his point is fair. Over the past few seasons, Embiid’s ability to score in so many different ways has made him one of the toughest players to defend in the league. His two-time scoring title is proof of that.
