The 2018 NBA Draft's first overall pick in Phoenix Suns center Deandre Ayton drew a picture of himself dunking on Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers. The news quickly reached the Sixers star himself and he reacted in his own classic fashion.
I love when KIDS dream BIG #ThisIsWhyWePlay #WhereAmazingHappens https://t.co/o2SOGMJjIs
— Joel “Troel” Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) August 12, 2018
The two have yet to match up but a rivalry seems to be underway. This isn't the first time that Ayton and Embiid have been mentioned in the same sentence.
Ever since Ayton became a top prospect, he's been compared to the Sixers big man. They are both mobile giants who have an array of moves in the post. But Embiid himself was quick to cut the chord on such rumors. He asked everyone not to compare him to the Suns' youngster:
Don’t compare Ayton to me either… I play DEFENSE
— Joel “Troel” Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) June 22, 2018
Of course, Embiid has all the rights to boast about his defense. After all, he was named into the NBA All-Defensive Second Team last season.
Ayton, for his part, is not worried about his defense. Ayton just wants to play his game as an old-school big man. Per NBA.com, Ayton said:
“Most definitely,” he said. “I haven't had the exposure in college to really guard big men, or the big men that I guard haven't really touched the ball or really do what they were supposed to do.
“I know the game is changing a lot, but I just want to stick to the old-school big man. Being down low and really trying to be dominant.”
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