Dirk Nowitzki has been retired for two years now, but the Dallas Mavericks icon's effect on the game is still felt around the league. Just watch MVP candidate Joel Embiid sink his one-legged fadeaway for the Philadelphia 76ers.

Embiid's fadeaway game was on full display in Game 1 against the Washington Wizards. His arsenal displayed shades of Nowitzki, Kobe Bryant, and Hakeem Olajuwon, which isn't a bad combination of legends to build your moves around.

Embiid has been using Dirk's move since his early years, and has slowly perfected his own version as he's become an All-NBA talent for the Sixers.

Article Continues Below
More Philadelphia 76ers News
76ers' Daryl Morey in the middle with Nick Nurse on one side and Joel Embiid on the other
2 players Philadelphia 76ers must avoid in 2025 NBA DraftTroy Finnegan ·
Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Ace Bailey (4) shoots the ball in the second half against the USC Trojans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images
76ers rumors: Insider getting ‘mixed signals’ on No. 3 pick amid Ace Bailey debateJake Faigus ·
Jared McCain, Philadephia 76ers, Matas Buzelis, Chicago Bulls, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Miami Heat, Dyson Daniels, Atlanta Hawks, NBA Finals
Dyson Daniels, Matas Buzelis highlight NBA Finals correspondents for Thunder-PacersTomer Azarly ·
Detroit Pistons forward Tobias Harris (12) during game five of first round for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden.
Tobias Harris clowns Paul George, 76ers for post-Super Bowl strugglesRichard Pereira ·
Paul George and Ace Bailey on the 76ers court.
76ers’ Paul George doubles down on support for Ace Bailey in 2025 NBA DraftMatty Breisch ·
Philadelphia 76ers guard Quentin Grimes (5) reacts after scoring against the Chicago Bulls in the fourth quarter at Wells Fargo Center.
NBA rumors: Are Nets a threat to steal 76ers’ breakout star?Zachary Weinberger ·

Dirk Nowitzki was asked about Embiid taking some of his game, as he was interviewed on the Take Off podcast with John Clark.

“That's an honor. That's so sweet to see that he thinks that's a good move and a shot he can put in his repertoire, so that's fun to see. When they actually played here in Dallas, I watched some of the game and he texted me the day after and said, ‘I had to show respect to you and shoot in on your silhouette' ..I'm honored that he thinks that's a good shot to have.”

If Nowitzki had to grade Embiid's version of the fader, the Sixers star got some high praise from the pioneer of the shot.

“It looks pretty good, I gotta say. He's so big but he's so agile and so athletic and he's still got the touch.. It almost looked better than the real thing, I gotta say.”

The Sixers brass and their fans surely hope Embiid keeps that fadeaway falling as they aim for a deep playoff run on the shoulders of their star.