Philadelphia 76ers big man Joel Embiid seems like a Grade A dude, what with his social media presence and fan-favorite style of play. That sort of plays into a story from CSN Philly’s Jessica Camerato, who says Embiid is trying to make injured 2016 No. 1 overall pick Ben Simmons feel at home as he recovers from an injured foot.
Simmons, 20, suffered a Jones fracture before the season started and hasn’t seen the floor yet for the Sixers.
Embiid, who is playing his rookie season this year due to injuries after being drafted in 2014, has apparently made sure that Simmons hasn’t felt isolated from his future teammates as he rehabs.
Via CSN Philly:
“That’s something I feel like Ben is going to appreciate a lot because I was in that type of situation,” Embiid said. “When I was by myself I felt kind of left alone and when I had guys around me it just made me feel better.”
Consider it a way of paying it forward. Embiid recalls how much it meant to him when Noel made him feel welcome while he was sidelined.
“Nerlens, when I got to Philly, showed me around,” Embiid said. “At first when I was traveling on the road, I was always with him. You’ve also got the coaches, mainly (assistant director of player development) Chris Babcock, is always texting me, always with me. It was mainly Nerlens, we’ve been close since I got to Philly.”
A photo of the Sixers youngsters hanging out surfaced on New Year’s Eve, and it’s good to see the core of the Philadelphia team we expect to see in the future galvanizing socially before our eyes.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BOtmjmBA_qq/?hl=en