Chapter Ten: Joel Embiid

"Today, all I want is victory—not defeat!"

Inside the Wachovia Center, home arena of the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers, Frank Vogel stood on the sidelines, surrounded by the Magic players in a tight circle. He was at the center, laying out his pre-game strategy.

The team had just endured the bitter taste of three consecutive losses. No matter what, Vogel was determined not to let them suffer another defeat in Philadelphia.

"Forget the previous games. The team you're facing tonight hasn't won a single match. We must keep their record unchanged!"

After detailing the opening tactics, Vogel gave his players an extra boost of confidence. While the team began their warm-ups, he glanced at Wu Rui, who was watching him expectantly from nearby. "Michael, sit here," he said.

Vogel pointed to the seat nearest the coach’s position, signaling for Wu Rui to take it.

"Coach, does this mean I’ll be going on soon?" Wu Rui’s eyes lit up instantly. He had eagerly absorbed the tactical discussion—it was his first time hearing the coach strategize so close up. Yet, as Vogel finished his pep talk, Wu Rui hadn’t heard a single word that concerned him directly.

Now, called over by Vogel, his mind raced with anticipation.

"Sit tight," Vogel replied sternly, not answering his question. Wu Rui meekly obeyed, taking the seat beside him.

As Wu Rui settled in, the game was about to start. Both teams’ starters took the court.

For the Magic, the backcourt featured the young point guard Elfrid Payton and the highly capable scorer Evan Fournier.

The forward line was manned by Aaron Gordon and Serge Ibaka.

"Serge, show them what you can do under the rim!" Wu Rui shouted, seeing Ibaka in his Magic jersey.

Serge Ibaka, like Biyombo, had joined the Magic only this summer, but Wu Rui already had a strong impression of him.

Back when Ibaka played for the Thunder, his towering blocks and wide wingspan made him a formidable protector of the paint.

Now, as teammates, Wu Rui eagerly anticipated Ibaka’s performance beneath their own basket. Ibaka, hearing Wu Rui’s call, raised his right hand and gave a thumbs-up.

Of course, the Magic’s franchise star was also among the starters—their anchor at center, Nikola Vucevic, a young big man capable of delivering a solid 20 points and 10 rebounds with ease.

"People say Orlando Magic produces great centers—it’s absolutely true!" Wu Rui couldn’t help but comment as he watched Vucevic stand at the center circle, ready for the tip-off.

Before he could finish, a burly player strode across from Vucevic, and as he stepped onto the court, the crowd at the Wachovia Center erupted in excitement.

"Joel! Joel! Joel!" Thousands of fans chanted his name in unison, with some even shouting for the MVP.

Joel Embiid responded to the crowd’s calls with a subtle gesture, his every move exuding a kingly presence, as if, in this moment, he truly belonged to the arena.

"Michael, that’s Joel Embiid—a real genius," Bismack Biyombo whispered to Wu Rui, sitting beside him, and briefly recounted Embiid’s basketball career.

"No way, there’s someone like that?" Wu Rui was astonished by Biyombo’s introduction. In his previous life, he’d heard of Embiid, but only as a Twitter celebrity, never really learning about his basketball journey. Now, with a deeper understanding, Wu Rui had to admit—this was true talent.

"Watch closely," Biyombo advised as the other 76ers starters took the court. Vucevic and Embiid stood at the center circle, and the referee signaled to both sides before tossing the ball high. The two young centers leapt up, marking the official start of the game.

With the crowd’s cheers ringing, Embiid tipped the ball to 76ers guard Sergio Rodriguez, who slowed the pace and brought the ball forward.

Rodriguez was a seasoned point guard, adept at reading the court. Spotting Embiid’s position in the paint, he quickly bounced the ball in to him.

"Philadelphia’s first attack belongs to their most dangerous player," the ESPN commentator raised his voice as Embiid secured the ball.

The fans focused intently—at this moment, all eyes were on Embiid.

Wu Rui felt a strange sensation, his gaze drawn irresistibly to Embiid as he posted up Vucevic.

What was this feeling...?

While Wu Rui was still surprised, Embiid didn’t disappoint. He held the ball steady, then pivoted, lowering his shoulder into Vucevic, suddenly spinning right, lifting his hand as if to shoot.

Vucevic, quick to react, jumped before Embiid released the ball, blocking his shooting lane.

But in the next instant, to Wu Rui’s astonishment, Embiid spun the other way, shifting his footwork perfectly to evade Vucevic’s defense.

A smooth layup—two easy points.

"Joel Embiid—"

As Embiid finished with a flawless dream shake, the home DJ poured passion into the announcement.

Embiid’s brilliance continued. On defense, Vogel’s opening strategy relied on Vucevic inside, but the Magic’s pillar was no match for Embiid’s strength. Forced into an awkward shot, Vucevic missed, and Embiid claimed the rebound.

Passing back to Rodriguez, Embiid sprinted to the front court, took a pass near the free-throw line, and this time, instead of posting up, launched a mid-range jumper.

The ball arced perfectly through the air and dropped cleanly into the net.

"Joel Embiid scores another two!"