National Basketball Association

Joel Embiid throws down monster tomahawk against Cavaliers

Published Nov. 15, 2016 2:58 p.m. ET

Dan Carson

Joel Embiid is happening. This is no longer a rehearsal dinner.

We've barely begun the NBA preseason and it's becoming increasingly apparent that the 76ers rookie is not other rookies. He is bigger, he moves differently. He throws down offensively-cocked tomahawks on the defending champs.

Philadelphia's Dario Saric found Embiid open at mid-range early in the first quarter of Saturday's game at Quicken Loans Arena. Many centers would see this as an opportunity to kick the tires on that jumper they've been working on.

Embiid, however, saw opportunity to visit the mesosphere.

This man is a 7'0" rookie.

A freeze frame, for your perusal:

Embiid also drained a catch-and-shoot three in rhythm a few plays later.

Embiid had 12 points in 11 minutes in the first half.

The call is coming from inside the house, Atlantic Division.

Dan is on Twitter. Dunk the process.