Shawn Kemp: LeBron James will push Joel Embiid to play at a high level
Ex-NBA star Shawn Kemp says LeBron's move to the 76ers will raise the team's standards, pick Embiid up, and expects a 76ers–Spurs Finals if injuries are avoided.
Former NBA star Shawn Kemp expects LeBron James's move to Philadelphia to raise the standard and the expectations of everyone in the 76ers' dressing room, Joel Embiid included, and has picked the 76ers and the Spurs for the Finals.
"LeBron doesn't throw promises around. When he takes on something, he gives himself to it completely. And his move to Philadelphia will raise their level of seriousness and expectations. If they can avoid injuries, then in the Finals the 76ers and the Spurs," Kemp said.
He singled out Embiid as the player James is most likely to push. "Probably Embiid is the guy LeBron thinks he can motivate the most. He played with him at the Olympics. He has played with him before. So he most likely thinks he can push him a bit, so that he stays healthy and plays with more energy this year."
Kemp added: "When I look at the Eastern Conference, Philadelphia is a team with huge potential. Very often, when you are good, the people around you start telling you so. But it takes someone of exactly that calibre for you to really realise how good you are. And LeBron will be able to push Embiid to play at his peak."
Embiid played only 38 games last season because of injuries and load management. He averaged 26.9 points, 7.7 rebounds and 3.9 assists in 31.6 minutes.
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