Joel Embiid responds to Hakeem Olajuwon’s criticism

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Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid isn’t interested in advice or criticism from the big names in the NBA. This includes Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon.

Olajuwon told Sports Illustrated’s Chris Ballard earlier this week that he liked the Embiids game but didn’t understand his hesitation in the paint. He wondered why the 7-foot, 280-pound Embiid was more likely to settle for a three-point shot rather than try his luck inside.

It has all the moves, but taking advantage of the moves is different. Why would he shoot three? Olajuwon questioned. He has the advantage every night, and if I have the advantage, I’m going to wear you down.

Olajuwon feels the three-point throw settles in and gives the lead.

It’s okay! When I’m tired, I settle down. You don’t settle when you’re trying to win. You don’t start the game to settle!

Embiid took issue with Olajuwons’ criticism and went so far as to question his basketball IQ. Legend or not, Embiid thinks the previous generation of gamers are out of touch with today’s reality.

From the moment (Doc Rivers) arrived, the first thing he told me was that I have to find where I want the ball. Obviously, before it was in the post, but as I’ve mentioned in the past, it’s easy to double post and post throughout the game, Embiid said, via The Athletics Rich Hofmann. It’s funny when you have these old guys always talking about posting, you have to spend time painting, and all that. You can’t win that way anymore. It’s not the 90s or 80s like it used to be anymore. So they must not have basketball IQ.

The game of basketball has evolved and the Embiids style change has paid off. He won the NBA scoring title last year and is second only to Luka Doncic for the honor this season.

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