Joel Embiid never seems fearful of calling out an opponent on social media. During this year's playoffs, he roasted "man bun" Aron Baynes, saying he's only in the league "to get dunked on." His next social media victim? DeAndre Ayton.
During coverage of this year's draft—the Phoenix Suns selected Ayton No. 1 overall—the Arizona sensation received comparisons to Embiid. But Embiid didn't take kindly to the comparisons.
Don’t compare Ayton to me either... I play DEFENSE
Ayton obviously caught wind of that tweet. Recently, when given the opportunity to draw himself on a trading card, he created an image of himself dunking on Embiid.
So . . . who is @Suns rook @DeandreAyton posterizing in his @PaniniAmerica Sketch Card? #WhoDoYouCollect #PaniniNBARookie #WhoIsIt pic.twitter.com/2tNE1fZzIs
You know the Sixers big man wasn't going to sit there and take that. He quickly responded, emphasizing that Ayton is a "kid" who's just dreaming big.
Incredible. May this please be the NBA's next great big-man rivalry.
Embiid had his most impressive season as a pro in 2017-18, playing in 63 games and averaging 22.9 points, 11.0 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 1.8 blocks per game. The 24-year-old from Cameroon helped the Sixers mount a late charge, but Philly ultimately fell in the second round of the playoffs to the Boston Celtics. Embiid earned all-league second-team honors.
Ayton, meanwhile, hasn't played an NBA game yet—but all signs indicate he'll flourish on the next level. These two squads will meet for the first time Nov. 19 in Philly. Don't expect Ayton to receive a warm reception.
