Ben Simmons and Joel Embiid had arguably their best game together in a Philadelphia 76ers uniform against the Lakers back on Nov. 16. It has experts wondering if they can become two of the greatest ever.
Joel Embiid’s game against the Los Angeles Lakers made history. Ben Simmons had, by his standards, a pretty normal game, but normal games for Ben Simmons usually come close to triple-doubles and with a handful of highlight plays. The two dismantled the Lakers together in a 115-109 Philadelphia 76ers win, but the score does not indicate the quality of the teams’ performances.
During that Nov. 16 Lakers game, the two showed what can happen when they play well together, and the results came in the form of 46 points, 15 rebounds, seven assists, and seven blocks for Embiid. Simmons had 18 points, 10 assists, nine rebounds, and five steals.
During the game, Kevin O’Connor of The Ringer tweeted the following:
Joel Embiid has GOAT Center potential. Ben Simmons has GOAT Point Guard potential. It doesn't mean they'll get there, but they have a chance, which can't be said about many other players.
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) November 16, 2017
The Process worked.
Kevin O’Connor has presented us with a hot take, to put it lightly. But it is not a bad take. Most day-one Process trusters have believed in Embiid and Simmons, but not as much as O’Connor seems to believe in them. The NBA has higher expectations for Embiid than it does for Simmons: Embiid has Olajuwon-like post moves with a feathery touch from deep. Simmons’ jump shot holds him back from greatness at the moment. Embiid, as he proved against the Lakers, can do it all.