Pacers' Rick Carlisle: Joel Embiid is 'NBA Cheat Code'

Joel Embiid received praise from Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle on Sunday.

Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle has been quite complimentary of the Philadelphia 76ers and members of the roster throughout the year. 

After the Sixers and the Pacers battled it out for the fourth and final time this year on Saturday night, Carlisle once again praised Philly’s big man, Joel Embiid.

“Right now, he’s probably the MVP. With what their team is doing and how he’s just elevated his game,” Carlisle told reporters. “He’s as difficult a guy to gameplan for as there is in the game. Giannis is crazy ridiculous. Jokic is same. This guy… Maybe even more difficult, if that’s possible.”

For the third-straight season, Embiid’s on pace to be considered one of three finalists for the MVP award. While he lost out to Nikola Jokic both times over the last two years, Embiid’s latest stretch of performances continues to strengthen his campaign this year.

“He had 31 points in less than three quarters,” Carlisle continued. “Made it look like he wasn’t even trying. We threw a lot of different things at him. He’s just a great player. He’s a walking NBA cheat code right now. He’s just that good.”

As the Sixers dominated the Hornets on Saturday, Embiid only required a 29-minute shift. Despite playing in under 30 minutes, Embiid still scored 31 points while coming down with seven rebounds and producing seven assists.

Since returning from the All-Star break, Embiid has appeared in 12 of the Sixers’ last 13 games. During that stretch, the big man averaged 35 points, ten rebounds, five assists, one steal, and three blocks. The Sixers are 10-3 during that stretch. 

Justin Grasso covers the Philadelphia 76ers for All76ers, a Sports Illustrated channel. You can follow him for live updates on Twitter: @JGrasso_.

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