Embiid says he hopes Sixers can ‘add some pieces’ (and gives George a pretty good look) originally appeared on KeynoteUSA Sports Philadelphia
While talking about the upcoming offseason for the Sixers, Joel Embiid made sure to look mischievously to his right.
Embiid appeared on KeynoteUSA’s NBA Countdown on Friday night in Dallas before the Mavericks extended the NBA Finals with a 38-point Game 4 victory over the Celtics. He was asked if Boston was on the brink of a championship.
“I can’t stand them,” he said. “I can not stand them; I hate Boston. Great city, great fans, obviously they have great players. But it hurts a lot.”
Embiid then concluded his response with a very pointed look at fellow panelist Paul George.
“Hopefully this offseason we’ll find a way to improve and add some pieces,” he said with a smile.
Joel Embiid on the Celtics and the Sixers signing free agents: “I can’t stand them. I hate Boston. Big city. Big fans. They have great players. Hopefully this offseason we will find a way to improve and add some pieces (looks at Paul George next to him).” 😂 pic.twitter.com/vZkZeuFXIK
– Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) June 15, 2024
Much has been reported about the Sixers’ interest in George. The nine-time All-Star has yet to receive an extension offer he likes from the Clippers and the Sixers are in a unique position this summer to make big-money offers to such a potential star free agent. George has a $48.8 million player option for the 2024-25 season.
Neither Embiid, 30, nor George, 34, have reached the Finals in their careers.
“That’s the goal,” Embiid said. “You want to win a championship. The only thing that matters to me is the legacy. How can I find a way to achieve what I want to achieve? And that is winning a championship. Whether I have to find a way to do it with what I have or what they put in place for us to win, I will do everything I can to make it happen.”
“This is my first Finals appearance and I hate that it had to be this way,” George said. “Watching it from the sidelines doesn’t feel good. Greetings to the two teams that made it this far. But when you think about what we should have done and what we could have done better to be where they are now… all the little plays, you start thinking about them.”
Embiid played despite Bell’s palsy and left knee problems this postseason during the Sixers’ tight first-round series loss to the Knicks.
He said he is doing “very well” and is “just getting ready for the Olympics” with Team USA. After a series of exhibition matches next month, the team’s first group stage match in Paris it will be on July 28 against Serbia.
“It’s going to be important for me because I’ve been dreaming about it since I was a kid,” Embiid said. “I’m excited to be part of the experience. Growing up and watching it, I just wanted to be in it. But I feel pretty good. “I’m excited to get back and go to work.”
And as for what’s next in the NBA, Embiid disagreed with the idea that the Celtics could be in the early stages of a dynasty.
“I don’t think so,” he said, “not with the new collective agreement. And you also have to understand that the entire (Eastern Conference) was hurt this year, including myself. …I’m the MVP. Do not forget. I just have to have a little luck, stay healthy and know that everything else will take care of itself.”
Keynote USA
For the Latest Sports News, Follow Keynote USA Sports on Twitter.