76ers’ James calls Embiid ‘one of the best players in the world’

Philadelphia 76ers forward LeBron James. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

76ers' LeBron James calls Joel Embiid 'one of the best players in the world'

By Paul White | Last updated Oct 17, 2026 7:23 AM ET

The Philadelphia 76ers concluded their preseason slate at home on Friday night against the Boston Celtics. They lost 125-120 in overtime despite forwards LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, center Joel Embiid and guard Tyrese Maxey all playing in the game, although they didn’t play the entire game.

Embiid was a major bright spot in the game, posting 27 points, eight rebounds and five assists in just under 30 minutes. It was a significant turnaround from his preseason debut last week against the Brooklyn Nets, a game where he turned the ball over eight times and looked uncoordinated as he tried to get up to game speed.

He looked much more comfortable and confident on Friday night, and it was something that caught James’ attention.

LeBron James has glowing praise for Joel Embiid after bounce back performance

“I know what Joel is capable of, he’s one of the best players in the world. The sky is the limit for him,” said James.

LeBron James talking about fellow Sixers star Joel Embiid after Joel’s 27 point, 8 rebound, 5 assist performance in the 76ers preseason finale @SportsRadioWIP @KYWNewsradio pic.twitter.com/IuP2IGJQO8
— Dave Uram (@MrUram) October 17, 2026

While it wasn’t a perfect game for the 2023 MVP, he looked much closer to his dominant form that the world has come to know. Embiid got to the foul line at a high rate like always, making 11-of-13 free throws, and showed much more defensive activity as he learns to trust his knees again.

While the additions of Brown and James could put the 76ers over the top, Embiid will likely be the most impotent player. He is the best rim protector on the team by a wide margin, and he’s the one of the best scorers in the league when fully healthy.

James emphasized Embiid as one of the key factors in his decision to head to Philadelphia, and he’s continued that praise throughout training camp and the preseason. It’s been a while since the big man has been injury-free, so his new teammate wants the world to remember just how good he is.

Paul White

Paul White is a contract writer from Philadelphia who attended Penn State University. He has contributed hundreds of stories about the NFL and NBA over the years and now brings that experience over to Yardbarker. He is a lifelong Philadelphia sports fan looking to bring the same passion from his city to sports media.

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