NBA news: It goes without saying that Joel Embiid will be significantly impacted by how the James Harden trade saga ends. Whatever the Philadelphia 76ers get in return in a potential blockbuster deal will have major implications on Philly’s title hopes in 2023-24, which once again, will be spearheaded by the reigning NBA MVP. Similarly, whatever shape and form James Harden will be in if he is forced to run it back with the 76ers will likewise affect Embiid’s quest for his first career title.
NBA News: Did Joel Embiid Just Hint At Potential Sixers Exit?
At this point, it’s all about winning a championship for Joel Embiid. He’s already achieved the highest individual honor in basketball by winning the Most Valuable Player award last season. The one thing missing from his resume is an NBA title.
Embiid recently opened up about what the future holds for him and how important it is for him to win a title. As it turns out, the 29-year-old wants that chip at all costs:
“I just want to win a championship, whatever it takes,” Embiid said (h/t Kyle Neubeck of the Philly Voice). “I don’t know where that’s going to be, whether it’s in Philly or anywhere else. I just want to have a chance to accomplish that, I want to see what that feels like to win that first one, and then you can think about the next one. It’s not easy, it takes more than one two or three guys. Got to have good people around you, and myself, every single day I work hard to be at that level so I can push us to make it happen. Every single day that’s working toward that goal, that’s where my mindset has always been. MVP is just an added bonus.”
The takeaway here is that Joel Embiid really, really wants to win a ring. However, perhaps the even bigger realization is that the Sixers superstar just hinted at the possibility of leaving Philadelphia to achieve this goal. Did JoJo just issue a threat to the organization that he too would be willing to facilitate his exit from the team if they are unable to help him achieve his ultimate goal?
Embiid then expressed his disappointment in his current situation with the 76ers. It does sound like the 7-foot center is growing a bit tired of the constant changes around him.
“I like the challenge,” Embiid said. “Can be frustrating at times, because over and over and over, same things might happen. There’s never any opportunity, all my years in the league, I feel like every single year it’s always been different teams, it has always been change. But I do like the challenge. It doesn’t matter who’s on my team, I just want to go out and try to do the best job possible to put us in a position to win.”
To be fair, you can’t really blame the Sixers for trying to surround Embiid with as many weapons as possible. They just haven’t found the right formula just yet.
NBA News: Could Joel Embiid Ever Link Up With Giannis Antetokounmpo?
Could Embiid actually end up leaving Philly in the near future? If he does, would a team-up with Milwaukee Bucks talisman Giannis Antetokounmpo be a possibility?
What we know is that Embiid does want to play alongside Giannis. Back in 2018, Antetokounmpo himself revealed that the 76ers big man attempted to recruit him to Philadelphia:
“He told me I should trust the process and come play for Philly,” Antetokounmpo said with a chuckle, drawing a laugh (h/t Matt Velasquez of the milwaukee journal sentinel). “That was my reaction — I just laughed.”
Embiid may have extended his invitation to Giannis in jest, but it’s hard not to imagine a mind-blowing frontcourt partnership between Embiid and Antetokounmpo. Could it be Giannis who does the recruiting this time around? I must admit that it’s highly unlikely, but then again, we have seen crazier things.
For More Wisconsin Sports:
Follow me on Twitter at @PaoloSongcoNBA, and follow us @WiSportsHeroics. Also, check out our Merchandise Here! Get 20% off with the code “WSH.” You can also reach out to Paolo Songco via email at pao.songco@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Wisconsin sports, click here! Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, Wisconsin Badgers.
