Kelly Oubre Jr: ‘Joel Embiid is the best scorer of our generation’

Kelly Oubre Jr delivered the highest of praises for his teammate and reigning NBA MVP Joel Embiid following the Sixers 127-113 statement win over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night.

None of that mattered. Embiid torched the Timberwolves, shooting 17-25 from the floor to go along with 17-18 from the free throw line. He scored 51 points with 12 rebounds, 2 blocks, 2 steals, and 3 assists on the night.

Read More: Joel Embiid continues historic stretch, drops a 50 burger on the T-Wolves >>

Following the game, Kelly Oubre Jr. spoke with team reporter Lauren Rosen and delivered high praise for Embiid, saying that his teammate is “the best scorer of our generation”. Oubre continued…”you can quote me on that. I’m biased, of course. But at the end of the day I’m riding with Jo.”

Kelly Oubre Jr: ‘Joel Embiid is the best scorer of our generation’

Kelly Oubre Jr. says @JoelEmbiid is the “best scorer of our generation.”

“You can quote me on that. I’m biased, of course. But at the end of the day I’m riding with Jo.”

👀👀👀

— Lauren Rosen (@LaurenMRosen) December 21, 2023

Fact Check: True – Joel Embiid is the best basketball player in the world

Look at Kelly Oubre Jr. lmaooo

pic.twitter.com/mVnY723ugv

— Overtime (@overtime) December 21, 2023

That clip is amazing. Not because it’s proof that Embiid is the best scorer of our generation, but really just seeing the confidence that Oubre has in his big man to score points. He was damn near at the other end of the court before the ball went through the net.

It does show you how elite Joel Embiid has been playing this season. The big fella is literally doing things that haven’t been done since the Wilt Chamberlain.

Through 24 games this season, Embiid has recorded more points than minutes, which again, is only a feat that Chamberlain ever accomplished over a full season.

It doesn’t stop there…

Embiid is the first player since 1976 to average 30+ points, and 12+ rebounds in 12+ consecutive games. As a matter of fact he’s on pace to break that record. Kareem Abdul-Jabbar holds the record at 16 games for the Milwaukee Bucks.

Joel Embiid: December 2023

• 50 PTS, 13 REBS, 7 ASTS
• 38 PTS, 14 REBS, 4 ASTS, 4 BLKS
• 34 PTS, 11 REBS, 6 ASTS 41 PTS, 11 REBS, 5 ASTS
• 35 PTS, 13 REBS, 2 ASTS, 4 BLKS
• 42 PTS, 15 REBS, 3 ASTS, 2 BLKS
• 40 PTS, 14 REBS, 6 ASTS, 2 BLKS
• 51 PTS, 12 REBS, 3 ASTS

76ers Month of December: (7-2)

• 76ers at Celtics: 125-119 (L)
• 76ers at Wizards: 131-126 (W) 
• Hawks at 76ers: 125-114 (W) 
• Wizards at 76ers: 101-146 (W) 
• 76ers at Pistons: 129-111 (W)
• Pistons at 76ers: 92-124 (W) 
• 76ers at Hornets: 135-82 (W) 
• Bulls at 76ers: 108-104 (L)
• Timberwolves at 76ers: 127-113 (W)

Note: That the loss against the Celtics on December 1st came without Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey playing so basically, the 76ers only dropped one game this month 3 weeks in while Joel Embiid has shockingly figured out away to be better than he was during his MVP season last year. 

DraftKings Sportsbook: Bet $5, Get $100 Instantly

• Sign up for a new DraftKings account
• Make Your First Deposit
• Bet $5+ On Any Sport
• Receive $100 In Bonus Bets Instantly
• Claim your free $100 now >>

As someone who is a major hoops fanatic, and most of my personal favorite players of all time tend to be the absolute best scorers, I think it’s only fair to include JoJo in that conversation now with guys like MJ, Kobe, LeBron, KD, Curry and whoever else you want to throw into the mix.

However, if we’re being specific to Oubre’s statement of “this generation,” I’m assuming he’s referring to the post LeBron-Curry era, which is players like Giannis and Luka but even then, Embiid is sitting at the top of the throne.

INSANE: Joel Embiid is currently averaging 35.1 points, 11.8 rebounds and 5.9 assists in 24 games this season.

Following Joel’s destruction of the NBA’s #1 defense on Wednesday night, he is now averaging 35.1 points (career-high), 11.8 rebounds, and 5.9 assists (career-high) alongside his under-appreciated defense. The Sixers are just a joy to watch this season, and I personally am really enjoying watching all the Embiid nay-sayers give him the proper respect he deserves.

After finally winning the NBA’s MVP award last year, it looks Embiid could be on his way to becoming the unanimous winner this season. In the first edition of Tim Bontemps’ and ESPN’s Straw Poll, Embiid already has a MASSIVE lead to win NBA MVP again this season.

Joel Embiid takes MASSIVE lead in the first edition of ESPN, Tim Bontemps NBA MVP Straw Poll >>

As we all know, the Sixers main hurdle is advancing out the second round of the NBA playoffs. That of course, would be a lot easier if Joel Embiid is actually healthy.

Philadelphia 76ers Current Standings

The Sixers are currently in third place in the Eastern Conference Standings with a 19-8 record. They are a game behind the Milwaukee Bucks in second, and two games behind the first place Boston Celtics. 

Up next, the Sixers will host the Toronto Raptors tomorrow night before heading to Miami to face the Heat on Christmas Day, which as we all know, is the unofficial start of the 2023-24 NBA season.