Joel Embiid has been under a 12-minute restriction, but that doesn’t mean he has been limited in competition.
In his first two NBA games, Embiid has started against four-time All-Star Al Horford and Marcin Gortat. During those contests, he also was matched up with reserves Amir Johnson and Ian Mahinmi.
Horford, Gortat and Mahinmi are ninth-year veterans. Johnson is entering his 12th season.
Embiid has played two preseason games.
Call it a crash course in battling in the paint. It’s one that Embiid is embracing, even if he doesn’t always come out on the winning end.
“They’re real physical,” Embiid said. “I’m physical, too. I like to fight, so I like that. Making a mistake through that and playing against those guys because everybody’s going to try to be physical with me, I’m going to learn through that.”
The Sixers want to grow Embiid into the centerpiece of their defense, a role that will attract the opponent’s biggest and most physical players.
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Horford averaged 14.3 points and 8.9 rebounds in nine seasons with the Hawks before signing with the Celtics this offseason for four years, $113 million.
Gortat put up 13.5 points and 9.9 rebounds per game last season and owns averages of 12.6 points and 9.1 rebounds over the past six seasons.
One week into preseason action, Embiid, averaging 5.5 points and 3.5 rebounds, is trying to take as much as he can from the high level of competition he has faced in a short period of time.
“It’s helping me,” Embiid said. “I’m sure we’re going to have a lot of tape to watch.”