Newsletter
Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Reading: Doc Rivers Gives Huge Praise To Joel Embiid: “I Coached Kevin Garnett And I Always Say He’s A Little Bit Hakeem Olajuwon And A Little Bit Of Garnett.”
Fadeaway WorldFadeaway World
Search
  • Fadeaway World
  • NBA News & Analysis
  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA News & Media
  • Exclusive Interviews
  • NBA 2K
Follow US
Home > NBA News & Analysis > Doc Rivers Gives Huge Praise To Joel Embiid: “I Coached Kevin Garnett And I Always Say He’s A Little Bit Hakeem Olajuwon And A Little Bit Of Garnett.”

Doc Rivers Gives Huge Praise To Joel Embiid: “I Coached Kevin Garnett And I Always Say He’s A Little Bit Hakeem Olajuwon And A Little Bit Of Garnett.”

Nico Martinez
Jan 21, 2022
3 Min Read
Share

Credit: The Chronicle

76ers star Joel Embiid often draws a lot of comparisons. As one of the last remaining post players in basketball, he is like a modern-day relic of the NBA’s old-school big man.

And while Embiid has yet to see some of the playoff success as other great centers, it didn’t stop head coach Doc Rivers from showering him with praise.

During one conversation with reporters, Rivers compared Embiid to Kevin Garnett and Hakeem Olajuwon — two All-Time legends who dominated the game.

(via Sixers Wire)

“We talk about different guys, bigs that I’ve coached and been around, I was with David Robinson as a player,” said Rivers. “Patrick Ewing as a player and I coached Kevin Garnett and I always say he’s a little bit Olajuwon and a little bit of Garnett. It’s a helluva combination if you can get it. The difference is Joel can go out to the 3-point line which sets him apart. He’s Joel Embiid. He’s not any of those guys. He’s his own guy.”

“He brings the ball up the floor,” Rivers finished. “He’s just a talented, listen I said it last year when I got here, I knew he was good, I didn’t know he had all of this. I really didn’t. He had a game against us, I wanna say it was here when I was in LA, he destroyed us. I didn’t know he could still do all of this. It’s amazing.”

There’s really nothing that Embiid can’t do. On offense, he can score in a multitude of ways, ranging from in the post to beyond the three-point line. He’s also a very capable ball-handler for his position.

Defensively is where Embiid really shines. His size and strength make him the perfect rim protector and he’s in the Defensive Player of the Year discussion almost every single season. 

The big problem for Embiid is his durability. Since he was drafted, health has always been a big concern and he’s missed more games than he’s played at this point.

But if Embiid can get healthy, and get some support from his teammates, there’s no limit to what he can do. At the very least, it’ll surely be enough to make Hakeem Olajuwon proud.

Follow on Google News

Thank you for being a valued reader of Fadeaway World. If you liked this article, please consider following us on Google News. We appreciate your support.

TAGGED:Hakeem OlajuwonJoel Embiid
Share This Article
Facebook Email Copy Link Print
ByNico Martinez
Follow:
Nico Martinez is a veteran staff writer for Fadeaway World from Brooklyn, New York. He joined Fadeaway World in 2016 and is currently residing in Columbia, South Carolina. Nico holds a degree in Sports Management from Columbia International University where he built a strong foundation in the inner workings of sports media and management. Nico's contributions have significantly enhanced the credibility and depth of Fadeaway World's content, earning him recognition across the sports journalism community. His work has been discussed in prestigious publications like Sports Illustrated. A dedicated follower of LeBron James, Nico often leads coverage on news related to the basketball star. With nearly a decade of experience in sports journalism, Nico consistently provides comprehensive and timely basketball news, engaging a wide audience of basketball enthusiasts.Nico's most desired player to interview, past or present, is Kevin Durant. He is particularly keen on asking Durant if he has any regrets about his career, especially concerning his departure from the Oklahoma City Thunder, and why he engages so much with fans on social media. 
Previous Article Skip Bayless On LeBron James: “His Sole Focus Now Is Catching Kareem Abdul-Jabbar And Resting On Defense…”
Next Article NBA Fans Troll The Knicks After Embarrassing Loss In Madison Square Garden
Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Newsletter

Stay up to date with our newsletter on the latest news, trends, ranking lists, and evergreen articles

Newsletter
Facebook X-twitter Instagram

You Might Also Like

Golden State Warriors News & Analysis

Seth Curry Admits He Didn’t Want To Team Up With Stephen Curry Until Now

October 3, 2025
Sep 29, 2025; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets player Nikola Jokic (15) takes questions during media day at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Denver Nuggets News & Analysis

Nikola Jokic Remains Loyal To The Nuggets Despite Not Signing An Extension This Summer

October 3, 2025
Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Russell Westbrook (4) controls the ball in the first quarter against the Los Angeles Lakers at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
NBA News & Analysis

Kendrick Perkins Claims Russell Westbrook Has Been Blackballed By The NBA

October 3, 2025
Sep 29, 2025; Dallas, TX, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) poses for a photo during the Mavericks 2025 media day at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Dallas Mavericks News & Analysis

Cooper Flagg Shares How He Can Impact Winning; Sets Expectations For Rookie Season

October 3, 2025

NBA - Fadeaway World

  • Atlanta Hawks
  • Boston Celtics
  • Brooklyn Nets
  • Charlotte Hornets
  • Chicago Bulls
  • Cleveland Cavaliers
  • Dallas Mavericks
  • Denver Nuggets
  • Detroit Pistons
  • Golden State Warriors
  • Houston Rockets
  • Indiana Pacers
  • Los Angeles Clippers
  • Los Angeles Lakers
  • Memphis Grizzlies
  • Miami Heat
  • Milwaukee Bucks
  • Minnesota Timberwolves
  • New Orleans Pelicans
  • New York Knicks
  • Oklahoma City Thunder
  • Orlando Magic
  • Philadelphia 76ers
  • Phoenix Suns
  • Portland Trail Blazers
  • Sacramento Kings
  • San Antonio Spurs
  • Toronto Raptors
  • Utah Jazz
  • Washington Wizards

Pages

  • NBA Trade Rumors
  • NBA Media
  • Exclusive NBA Interviews
  • NBA 2K News & Updates

© 2025 Fadeaway World @ All Rights Reserved

  • About Fadeaway World
  • Fadeaway World Authors
  • Editorial Team
  • Ethics Policy
  • Corrections Policy
  • Editorial Guidelines
  • Fact-Checking Policy
  • Contact Us
Welcome Back!

Sign in to your account

Username or Email Address
Password

Lost your password?