Philadelphia 76ers’ future looked uncertain a year ago, with James Harden demanding a trade and Tyrese Maxey yet to prove himself as an All-Star. Despite Joel Embiid being the NBA’s reigning MVP, the team faced another disappointing second-round playoff exit. Daryl Morey, president of basketball operations, assured Embiid that patience would lead to a championship-level team. This offseason, the 76ers signed Paul George, using resources carefully managed over the past year to create the necessary cap space. Embiid acknowledged his patience was tested but emphasized the need for winning a championship to cement his legacy.
With Harden eventually traded to the LA Clippers, the 76ers obtained expiring contracts and draft capital, creating the opportunity to sign a max free agent. Embiid spoke positively about forming a “Big Three” with George and Maxey and discussed their fit on the court. He praised their shooting abilities and versatility, which he believes will complement his post-up and isolation play. While the 76ers’ new lineup looks promising on paper, Embiid highlighted the challenges posed by his and George’s past injury histories.
Embiid expressed excitement about the new additions, including Kelly Oubre Jr., Caleb Martin, Andre Drummond, and Eric Gordon. He noted that having more star players could reduce his nightly scoring burden, potentially keeping him healthier. With a vastly different roster, Embiid stated the goal remains a championship, though achieving team cohesion will require effort and patience. He emphasized that winning takes time and teamwork, and the focus will be on aligning everyone’s roles to succeed.
