Joel Embiid talks more trash, says Andre Drummond can’t shoot

The rivalry between Joel Embiid and Andre Drummond just got even more interesting.

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid will face Detroit Pistons big man Andre Drummond again tonight, and this will be fascinating television. Embiid had some pointed words about Drummond’s skills before the game.

“No disrespect, but he can’t shoot,” Embiid said to Sporting News. “I’ve just got to worry about the defensive coverages as we have as a team.”

That comment comes soon after the center trashed Drummond’s defensive ability after putting up 30 points and nine rebounds on the Pistons in their first matchup. Here are the highlights of that beatdown.

In fairness to Drummond, he is shooting 63.9 percent from the free throw line this year, and that is a huge improvement from last year’s 38.6 percent. Also, the Pistons are 14-7 this season. They should make the playoffs easily barring any serious injury, and the Sixers still haven’t proven themselves to be consistently healthy. For instance, Embiid is currently not allowed to play back-to-back games, and this is the first year that his team has a chance of making the playoffs ever since he got drafted. He dealt with injuries to his right foot and left knee early in his career that could flare up again at any moment.

One thing is certain. Drummond has been looking forward to this game for a while. This tweet came out over a month ago.

Embiid has quickly become one of the most entertaining players in the NBA. His skills are a big part of that, but it can’t be underestimated how his words and actions off the court are box office gold for the league.

Next: Worst NBA Awards Snubs of All-Time

Suddenly, an early December game between the Sixers and Pistons is going to be talked about on sports talk shows throughout the country regardless of the outcome. The NBA should probably send Embiid an early Christmas present.