Joel Embiid has taken a public jab at his new Philadelphia 76ers teammate Jaylen Brown during an ESPN interview, reviving their rivalry weeks before the NBA season tips off. The Cameroonian centre referenced past playoff battles between the two, including last year's second-round series won by Philadelphia.
"I've had many duels with him," Embiid said. "Even when we were down 3-1 against them last year, Jaylen Brown took on the challenge of guarding me. He knew he had no chance of stopping me, but I guess the others couldn't either."
Embiid also said he holds great respect for Brown, the former Boston Celtics star, praising his willingness to compete. The comments appeared aimed at repaying Brown for remarks made after their May playoff meeting, when Brown accused Embiid of flopping.
"The flopping ruined our game. Joel Embiid is a great player, one of the best big men in basketball history, but he simulates fouls and he knows it. It's not new but that's how it is," Brown said at the time.
With Brown now wearing a Sixers jersey, the two will need to put those exchanges aside quickly. Philadelphia's stated goal is an NBA title, and that ambition will depend on whether Embiid and Brown can build a productive partnership both on and off the court.
