Kendrick Perkins Issues Apology to Sixers Star Joel Embiid

Former champion makes bold proclamation about Joel Embiid

Due to the uncertainty regarding their roster, the Philadelphia 76ers were viewed as a tough team to gauge heading into the season. Through the first two weeks, they have changed the minds of many with their impressive play. 

Along with working out a deal for James Harden, the Sixers have climbed to the top spot in the Eastern Conference. Led by Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and Tobias Harris, this team is playing like one of the top teams in the association. 

Many analysts have come out and sung the praises of the Sixers, including Kendrick Perkins. He recently went on ESPN's First Take to issue an apology to the reigning MVP. On top of that, the former champion also made a bold statement regarding the All-Star center. 

"Let me start off by apologizing and saying I'm sorry to Joel Embiid. Because I started off the season like I wasn't familiar with his game, and I am familiar with his game," Perkins said. "Joel Embiid is the best player in the Eastern Conference. No disrespect to Jayson Tatum and no disrespect to Giannis Antetokounmpo. We're talking about the guy that is the reigning MVP. We're talking about the guy that led the league in scoring." 

Fresh off winning MVP last season, Embiid continues to be one of the most dominant forces in the game today. He has also thrived under new head coach Nick Nurse's system. Along with leading the NBA in scoring (31.7 PPG), he is also dishing out a career-high 5.9 assists per game. 

Given his dominance on both ends of the floor, Perkins isn't wrong to name Embiid as the best player in the East. Despite all the change and drama surrounding him for months, he continues to lead the charge for the Sixers with impressive performances on a nightly basis.