The Philadelphia 76ers are the overwhelming favorites to win their first series and move on to the Conference Semi-Finals. And while James Harden and Tyrese Maxey will certainly make a difference, the real game-changer in the series is Joel Embiid, who will be impossible for the Nets to slow down — and it’s been a recurring theme for every team this season.
Recently, ahead of the opening game, the 76ers star did an interview with Rachel Nichols where he fittingly called himself the best player in the world.
Rachel Nichols: “Because you are now one of the best players in the world.”
Joel Embiid: “The best.” 🔥
(via @Rachel__Nichols)
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) April 15, 2023
Statistically, nobody can argue that Joel isn’t at least in the conversation for being the best. Through 66 games this season, he averaged a career-high 33.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks per game on 54% shooting. He also led the 7y6ers to the third-best record in the East despite various injuries to key teammates.
But for Embiid to really prove his claim, and shut the haters up once and for all, he’s going to have to show results in the postseason, which is an area he has not done historically great in.
Can 76ers Win A Title This Season?
With Embiid and James Harden, the Sixers certainly have enough talent to make it to the end, but there are questions about if they can stay healthy throughout the playoffs, and if Harden can maintain good play despite a history of playoff stinkers.
Either way, Embiid is happy with this season and the body of work he put together over the past eight months.
“Everybody is always basing everything on winning a championship,” said Embiid. “But that’s not all that matters. Obviously, you want to win a championship. But would you rather be in contention every year? Or would you [rather] be at the bottom and fighting to make the playoffs every single year?”
The truth is, no matter how you feel about the 76ers, they will have a tough road ahead on the path to a title and it’s going to take a nearly perfect effort from everyone for them to come out of it alive.
As for Embiid and his claim as the best in the world, most fans are just going to wait and see how the postseason plays out before deciding who sits at the top of the NBA food chain.
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