National Basketball Association

Joel Embiid swats a LeBron James layup off the glass (Video)

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Joel Embiid, or better known as “The Process”, is taking the NBA by storm and becoming a folk hero among those who watch the Association. He’s also coming for LeBron James’ throne.

The old expression goes, “Superman wears Joel Embiid pajamas” … or something like that. Embiid looked like Superman on Saturday night when the Philadelphia 76ers hosted the world champion Cleveland Cavaliers.

After a missed shot from Dario Saric that led to a LeBron James rebound and a chance in transition for the three-time NBA Finals MVP, Embiid took the chance to introduce himself to King James.

Embiid pulling a LeBron on LeBron pic.twitter.com/BE0cqdnhjR

— Philly Influencer (@PHL_Influencer) November 5, 2016

Not only did Embiid chase down James after he looked to push the ball for an easy bucket, he swatted his shot emphatically off the glass.

It appears that “trusting the process” was a smart move for Philadelphia.

Embiid is still an extremely raw player at this point in his career, but he’s a gifted player as well. His footwork is reminiscent of Hakeem Olajuwon. He’s showing no ill effects of missing two full NBA seasons with foot issues, and 76ers fans can’t help but love the guy. He’s becoming a good player already, even with a ton still to learn at the pro level.

Is there a better way for a player to leave their mark league-wide than block the shot of the game’s best player? There’s no better way to end up on a highlight reel than doing something against one of the game’s greatest players. (Ask Allen Iverson what crossing over on Michael Jordan did for him early in his NBA career.)

There may be a new “King” in the NBA, and his name is “The Process”.