Stephen A. Smith had a rather off-track take on the ongoing second-round playoff clash between the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers, and it included Jimmy Butler.
“If the Sixers don’t win, one of the biggest regrets they will live with in franchise history is letting Jimmy Butler walk out that door,” Smith said on First Take. “If Jimmy Butler had never departed from the Philadelphia 76ers, the 76ers would have been back in the Finals and they probably would win the title.”
"If the Sixers don't win, one of the biggest regrets they will live with in franchise history is letting Jimmy Butler walk out that door… The 76ers would have been back in the Finals and they probably would win the title."
— Stephen A. Smithpic.twitter.com/vvkhO3lFcu
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 8, 2023
This does come as a surprise considering all the chatter around the Sixers at the moment is on James Harden. The guard had another whopping game registering 42 points to help his side beat the Celtics 116-115 in OT to tie the series 2-2. This was his second 40+ point performance after dishing out 45 points in Game 1.
Meanwhile, Smith decided to focus on Butler’s brief stint with the Sixers, saying letting of the forward cost them a championship. The now-Miami Heat superstar was traded to the Sixers in 2018 along with Justin Patton for Jerryd Bayless, Robert Covington, Dario Saric, and a 2022 second-round draft pick. During his time in Philly, Butler averaged 18.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists.
Butler’s arrival to the Sixers after his tumultuous time with the Minnesota Timberwolves wasn’t exactly what he expected it to be. He immediately clashed with then coach Brett Brown, and his presence meant taking the ball a lot instead of Joel Embiid which didn’t sit well with the center.
With Butler in the ranks, the Sixers made the second round of the playoffs, and after their defeat at the hands of eventual champions, the Toronto Raptors, the Sixers traded Butler to the Heat in a sign-and-trade deal.
Now, the Heat are favorites to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals amid their series vs. the New York Knicks, while the Celtics and Sixers are locked in a wire battle to make the next round. Only time will tell if Harden has a say and prove Smith wrong.
Can The Philadelphia 76ers Fend Off The Boston Celtics?
To answer the question in one word, tough. The Sixers will need more from Joel Embiid, who has endured a disappointing playoff run. Much of the scoring onus has been on Harden and Tyrese Maxey who has been the third-best scorer on the team.
Meanwhile, the Celtics are reeling after passing up two games already, the same amount they did against the Atlanta Hawks, but rebounded back in emphatic fashion to close the series 4-2. Except in this case, they find tougher threats in Embiid and Harden.
The Sixers have the necessary firepower, even in an injured Embiid. But their opponents are prolific scorers and solid defenders making it a tough challenge. It remains to be seen if they can get past the Boston challenge.
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