“He’s the most dominant big man to play the game since Shaquille O’Neal” – Patrick Beverley defends Joel Embiid from criticism of his hyped stature

Joel Embiid has been dominant for the Philadelphia 76ers as of late. And current LA Lakers guard Patrick Beverley, an 11-year veteran, isn't surprised.

After a 1-4 start to the season, the 76ers (7-7) have started to show signs of life. Philadelphia began with three consecutive losses – not the start the team hoped for after becoming a popular pick in the Eastern Conference.

Things looked a little darker once superstar James Harden was sidelined with a foot injury. That's when the Philadelphia 76ers turned to their superstar big man, and he's done nothing but thrive. When at his best, Joel Embiid is a terrifying threat to opposing teams.

Embiid has started to play his best basketball yet. In his last four games, Embiid is averaging 40.0 points, 11.0 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 2.8 blocks per game. Patrick Beverley praised Embiid on "The Pat Bev Podcast with Rone":

“He’s the most dominant big man to play the game since Shaquille O’Neal."

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Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid starting to take over

At one point this season, the Philadelphia 76ers had a 4-6 record. The team was dealing with some injury problems. James Harden, out since Nov. 4, was facing missing a month of action, and Joel Embiid was sidelined as well.

But Embiid returned to the lineup and put the team on his back. Embiid returned in a 100-88 win against the Phoenix Suns on Nov. 7, snapping a two-game winning streak. During that game, Embiid finished with 33 points, 10 rebounds and five assists.

There's no denying the talent of the 28-year-old big man, but Embiid has struggled to stay healthy throughout his six-year career. When he's on the court, he has the talent to completely take over a game.

Since Embiid's return, the 76ers have won three of their last four games. In his last two games alone, Embiid averaged 50.5 ppg, 10.5 rpg, 7.0 apg and 4.5 bpg. His most recent performance against the Utah Jazz was a jaw-dropping showing. Embiid finished with 59 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists and seven blocks while shooting 19-of-28 in a 105-98 win on SUnday.

The 76ers will now look to continue their impressive play with a challenging slate of upcoming games. They take on the Milwaukee Bucks (10-3), who have been one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference, on Friday night. From there, the 76ers face the Minnesota Timberwolves (6-8) and Brooklyn Nets (6-9) – with former 76er Ben Simmons returning to Philadelphia – before a three-game road trip.

Time will tell if Joel Embiid can keep up his eye-opening stretch of performances.