Joel Embiid says DeMar DeRozan is the closest thing to Kobe Bryant

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Joel Embiid praises DeMar DeRozan with comparison to Kobe Bryant in post-match interview

Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid had high praise for Bulls’ talisman DeMar DeRozan after their showdown on Sunday in Chicago. The Sixers beat the Chicago Bulls 119-108. Embiid led the Sixers with 40 points and 10 rebounds while DeRozan scored 45 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.

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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – OCTOBER 28: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers dribbles against the Detroit Pistons at Wells Fargo Center on October 28, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Embiid spoke after the win with admiration for DeRozan’s performance. He said: (h/t SixersWire)

“He’s a pretty good player,” said Joel Embiid. “I’ve always thought that he was underrated. The way plays when you talk about what he’s able to do on the floor. Footwork kinda reminds me of just kinda Kobe (Bryant), just the footwork. The tough shots that he takes, all mid-range, being able to do like I said everything on the court, he’s definitely underrated and I’ve always been a fan.”

Tobias Harris scored 23 points, Tyrese Maxey added 16 and Seth Curry contributed 12 for the Sixers, who are now 32-21. For the Bulls, Nikola Vucevic added 23 points and Javonte Green had 17.

The Chicago Bulls are currently the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference. They are currently missing Zach Lavine, who has been out for the last two games due to injury. In his absence, DeRozan has stepped up with impressive performances. The Bulls are without Zach LaVine, Lonzo Ball, Alex Caruso and Coby White.

Are the Philadelphia 76ers contenders for the title?

Embiid is currently leading the league with 29 points, 10.9 rebounds and 4.4 assists per game. The Sixers have been one of the most efficient teams in the East. Despite the absence of Ben Simmons, the youngsters have stepped up and won many games in the regular season alongside Embiid.

Embiid was drafted as the #3 pick in the First Round of the 2014 NBA Draft by the Philadelphia Sixers. He has signed a multi-year extension with the Philadelphia Sixers on August 17, 2021.

Coach Doc Rivers has done wonders since taking charge last season, improving the FG % drastically in the team. The team looks optimistic for a deep run in the NBA Playoffs this season with a strong roster.

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