Pacers Center Remembers 'MF****** Problem' Joel Embiid

The Indiana Pacers recently signed Jahlil Okafor, the No. 3 pick (Philadelphia 76ers) from the 2015 NBA Draft, to a training camp deal. During a podcast appearance, Okafor talked about his early memories with the 76ers and his first impression of Joel Embiid.

“When I first got there, he was hurt… (In training camp) I knew right away like ‘Oh, this mother**** is a problem," Okafor claimed on the Run Your Race podcast powered by Tidal, co-hosted by Theo Pinson.

Before the 76ers drafted Okafor, he was the star center at Duke. Although he didn't pan out as the star for which he was hyped, he's floated around the league for 247 games. The Pacers recently provided Okafor a chance to try out for a spot in training camp. While he has experience in practicing with Embiid, the 2023 MVP has grown so much that it's doubtful Okafor would have any helpful intel on the 76ers center.

Okafor last played for the Detroit Pistons during the 2020-21 season.

Indiana could be Okafor's last chance at earning an NBA roster spot. The Pacers are looking for "positional size," according to their head coach Rick Carlisle. Perhaps Carlisle could find a use for a 6-10 body. Myles Turner, James Wiseman, and Isaiah Jackson will hold down the fort if not.

Related: Rick Carlisle Earns High Ranking

Okafor averaged 10.4 points and 4.7 rebounds for his career.