Joel Embiid just dropped a bombshell, calling Jimmy Butler the best player in the NBA. Yep, you read that right!
Embiid’s Bold Claim: Jimmy Buckets Reigns Supreme
In a game that saw the Sixers fall to the Miami Heat, Embiid wasn’t shy about singing praises for his old buddy Jimmy Butler. Despite Embiid himself putting up a modest 11 points, eight boards, and five dimes in 31 minutes, it was Butler who stole the show. The 35-year-old vet lit up the scoreboard with a stellar double-doubleโ30 points, ten rebounds, and five assists. And get this, he was flawless from the charity stripe, going 13-for-13. Talk about clutch!
Butler’s performance was a much-needed boost for the Heat after a rough outing against Indiana, where he was sidelined due to injury. But let’s be real, while Butler’s been a beast in the playoffs and has two Eastern Conference crowns with Miami, some might argue his peak days are behind him.
Old Friends, New Praise
Embiid and Butler go way back to their days in Philly during the 2018-19 season. Remember that heartbreaker against Kawhi and the Raptors? Yeah, me neither. Despite the loss, the duo formed a solid bond. So when asked about Butler, Embiid didn’t hold back:
“Jimmy is Jimmy. He does everything, scoring, passing the ball, commanding the floor. One of the best players in the league. Probably top five. Probably the best actually.”
I mean, come on, Joel! Best in the league? That’s a hot take if I’ve ever heard one. In my opinion, Butler’s still got game, but let’s not forget about some of the other heavy hitters out there.
Joel Embiid says Jimmy Butler is probably the best player in the league
โOne of the best players in the league. Probably top five. Probably the best actually.โ
(Via @BradyHawk305)
โ NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral)
Stats Don’t Lie… Or Do They?
Butler’s averaging 17.7 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists this season. Solid numbers, no doubt, but not exactly mind-blowing. We’ve seen him put up better digits in the past, which makes Embiid’s claim a bit of a head-scratcher. Maybe it’s just a case of friendship goggles? Who knows.
Still, Butler’s been a vocal supporter of Embiid’s MVP campaigns, so there’s definitely mutual respect and admiration between these two. It’s like a bromance made in basketball heaven.
So, what do you think? Is Embiid onto something, or is he just hyping up an old pal? Let the debates begin!
