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Embiid was reminded of his friend’s skill while playing against the Heat.

Last night, the Philadelphia 76ers took on the Miami Heat. It was a vicious game, but it ultimately ended with the Heat’s victory and the 76ers’ elimination after a 99-90 loss. For one particular player on the Sixers, the loss was especially bittersweet. Center Joel Embiid was reminded of the high skill of his former teammate Jimmy Butler, who left the Sixers after the 2020 season for the Heat.

“I’m happy for him. I won’t sit here and say I didn’t wish he was my teammate,” Embiid said of Butler. “I still don’t know how we let him go. But I wish I could have gone to battle with him still. But it is what it is. Just got to keep building and keep trying to reach that goal.

“Obviously that’s my guy, that’s my brother,” Embiid added. “I mean, it’s tough. But I’m so proud of him. He’s playing at an unreal level right now. He’s something else right now. And I’m proud of him for being at this level and carrying them and what he’s been able to do.”

Joel Embiid knows Jimmy is a bucket 🤝 pic.twitter.com/PikPjODCGA

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) May 13, 2022

This respect goes both ways, as in a separate statement, Butler expressed admiration for Embiid as well. “I’m proud of him,” Butler said. “Yes, yes, yes, I still wish I was on his team. I definitely love the Miami Heat, though, man. I’m glad that I’m here. But I got so much respect and love for Joel Embiid.”