Deandre Ayton Calls Joel Embiid a Unicorn, Says He's Going to Copy 76ers Star

Phoenix Suns rookie center Deandre Ayton said Monday he plans to model is game after that of Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid.

After the Suns fell 119-114 to the Sixers, Ayton heaped heavy praise on Embiid, according to Kevin Zimmerman of Arizona Sports 98.7 FM: "It was fun because I finally played against Joel Embiid. Obviously he's one of the unicorns in the league. How he used his body down low, I'm about to copy all of that. I'm just going to take that. I'm just going to steal it."

Ayton is living up to his status as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft, and Embiid is trending toward his second consecutive All-Star nod.

On Monday, Ayton got a firsthand look at Embiid's dominance, as the Sixers star racked up 33 points and 17 rebounds in the win.

Ayton held his own with 17 points and nine boards.

Embiid made waves on draft night in June when he expressed dismay over being compared to Ayton, tweeting, "Don't compare Ayton to me either... I play DEFENSE."

Although Embiid enjoys getting inside opponents' heads, he told the Associated Press (h/t Zimmerman) that he has a positive view of Ayton: "A lot of people misunderstand me; I talk a lot of trash. He's talented and has a lot of potential. I loved playing against him tonight. I can't wait for the multiple battles we'll have in the future. I'm a big fan."

Embiid even said he has texted with Ayton this season.

Ayton is ahead of the curve in comparison to where Embiid was at this point in his career, as the Sixers big man missed his first two seasons because of injury.

Now, Embiid is the centerpiece of an NBA Finals contender alongside Ben Simmons and the recently acquired Jimmy Butler.

Meanwhile, the Suns are a Western Conference-worst 3-13, but Ayton is a key part of their rebuilding project.