As the reigning NBA MVP, Joel Embiid isn’t in the business of playing uncompetitive basketball. Last year, just like in years prior, Embiid led the Sixers to a top-three record in the East, and they were poised to go all the way before misfortune got in their way.
Now, the future can only be described as uncertain amid the ongoing saga with James Harden. As the team works to find Harden a new home, it’s looking increasingly unlikely that Philly will get a star player back in return. Put that alongside Embiid’s recent comments, and it’s obviously why Sixers fans are starting to get nervous about the situation. According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, Joel left the door open on a departure from Philly, even if he claims he was only trolling.
“He’s finally kinda cracking the door open to the possibility of leaving, which would only add more urgency to the front office to make sure they are on their toes, making sure they are doing everything that they can to keep a winning roster around him. Cause Joel Embiid has gone through a bunch of different changes throughout his tenure during Philly, a bunch of different marquee players have come and gone.”
Was Joel Embiid really just "trolling" about winning a title elsewhere or is there more to his comments? @ChrisBHaynes and @TheSteinLine discuss on the latest #thisleague UNCUT podcast.
FULL EPISODE: https://t.co/X8BDJ6DkyU pic.twitter.com/lZ3ayztLCO
— FOX Sports Radio (@FoxSportsRadio) July 21, 2023
Embiid has always been viewed as a loyalist, and a lot of fans are convinced that he’ll retire as a 76er and follow in the footsteps of Kobe.
“Embiid has told people close to him for years that he values the idea of a one-team legacy,” wrote The Athletic’s Sam Katz. “There is a long way to go between vague comments about the mystical land of ‘anywhere else’ and an official trade request.”
For now, Embiid is staying put with the Sixers but don’t be surprised if he strongly considers leaving in the future if things don’t change soon.
Embiid Just Wants To Win
We know that Embiid can thrive in any environment, but it’s no secret that he wants more than a second-round exit year after year. If Harden leaves, he’ll be on his own with a team incapable of winning it all.
It’ll be up to Embiid to not only carry his squad on the court but also to put pressure on the front office to step up and give him the help he needs and deserves.
So, whether it’s with the Sixers or some other team, Embiid is driven by visions of victory and he’ll go wherever he needs in order to capture a title before his career is done and over.
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