D'Angelo Russell Sees Dominance in Former Teammates Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons

D'Angelo Russell got a sneak preview into the potential of Joel Embiid and Ben Simmons years before they all reached the NBA.

Russell played with both Sixers rookies during his time at Montverde Academy in Florida. Embiid went on to become the third pick in 2014, Russell was the second pick in 2015, and Simmons was number one in 2016. 

Russell first was teammates with Embiid. At the time neither received a lot of minutes, so they both put in extra hours trying to improve their games.

"He was a gym rat," Russell said of Embiid following Lakers' shootaround on Friday. "Our coach had guys in front of us. After the practices or games, we were always in the gym together. We spent a lot of time [there], if it was getting work or just messing around shooting crazy shots."

Embiid's shot blocking and offensive abilities, including his shooting touch, stood out to Russell. Even though Embiid did not start playing basketball until he was a teenager, he had undeniable raw talent. 

"Everybody said he had the potential once he got the chance to play," Russell said. "Every time he played he dominated the game and he didn't even know it. He was just playing hard."

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While Embiid's basketball skills still were developing, his larger-than-life personality was already there. 

"That was my guy," Russell said. "He was one of the funniest dudes on the team and to this point, he's still one of the funniest guys in the league."

Embiid had transferred to The Rock School when Ben Simmons arrived at Montverde. Simmons and Russell became roommates and together led the school to national championships in 2013 and 2014. Russell recalls a young Simmons playing beyond his years.

"Ben's always been as good as he is," Russell said. "Off the court, you could never guess how old he was. On the court, his game was very mature back then."

The 6-foot-10 Simmons came into the NBA touted as a point-forward. When he returns from a foot injury, the Sixers plan to utilize him as the starting point guard. His versatility, passing skills and playmaking instinct were apparent as a teenager. 

"He didn't really have a position, but whatever it was, he dominated it," Russell said. "Coach couldn't really put him in a box. I feel like at this level, he's going to be the same."

Russell visited with Simmons when he arrived in Philadelphia for Friday's game. 

"We always keep in touch," said Russell. 

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