After winning gold in the Olympic Games Paris 2024, Joel Embiid might finally strike gold in the NBA, too.
The Sixers big man came back home to a more formidable Philly squad, having signed an NBA Superstar in Paul George in the hopes of ending their 41-year title drought.
Besides George, Philly re-signed Kyle Lowry and Kelly Oubre Jr. and adding veterans Andre Drummond, Eric Gordon, Reggie Jackson and Caleb Martin to name a few.
“[We] really [have] talented group, top to bottom,” George said in his first media day session as a member of the 76ers.
1% better every day. pic.twitter.com/8VTmvE0i8S
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) October 2, 2024
“I’ve known guys from being in the league and playing against them, but actually being on the same side and seeing them on a daily basis, it’s a lot of talented guys.”
With Tyrese Maxey coming off from a career-best season on his way to winning the Most Improved Player award, the star power in City of Brotherly Love is overflowing, and so are the expectations.
"I think we're top three for sure in the East,” George said in his first media day session as a member of the 76ers.
“I think we’re top 3 in the East… Gotta be respectful to Boston and New York… I still don’t think there’s anyone that can guard Joel Embiid.”
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) September 30, 2024
Paul George on the Sixers and where they fit in the Eastern Conference 👀pic.twitter.com/h4gmQRKLJS
While many see George's statement as a bold one, the 34–year-old backed up his claim on why he thinks the Sixers are capable of contending against reigning champions Boston Celtics and Eastern Conference finalists New York Knicks, among others.
“I still don't think there's anyone that can guard Joel Embiid. So that's like a trump card that we have for sure."
George ditched Kawhi Leonard, James Harden and the LA Clippers- a team he has played for the last six seasons– to go back East and formed a new Big Three with Embiid and Maxey.
He signed a four-year, $212 million contract with the Sixers, who got bounced out by the New York Knicks in the East first round last year.
The 34-year-old believes they will co-exist on the court once the season starts in three weeks time.
"This is the first time that I've played with an elite point guard & big man all at once. Nothing's forced for one person alone - we can share responsibility. I see us flowing. All three of us look at the game the same way."
What are your expectations for the @sixers this season? #NBAMediaDay pic.twitter.com/mtiaIWtvhd
— NBA (@NBA) October 1, 2024
Embiid revealed that he lost about 25-30 pounds in the summer and reiterated his new role in the upcoming season.
"What I really want to focus on is empowering these guys. Most of the time, I really want to focus on letting the game come to me."
"My job this year is to empower those guys."
— NBA (@NBA) September 30, 2024
Joel Embiid stepping into a new role this year 🗣?#NBAMediaDay pic.twitter.com/KwKWQwBEVW
“We got a lot of new guys, so I think it’s important to just be around and make sure everyone understands each other. There might be growing pains, but I think we’ve got guys that just fit on and off the court. That’s what you need when it comes to team-building and culture.” he added.
Embiid, a former MVP and seven-time All-Star, noted his main focus this year is to stay healthy for an entire playoff run, which has eluded him in the last eight seasons.
Philadelphia finished 31-8 in the regular season with their superstar big man last season but are woeful 16-27 without him.
Maxey agreed with Embiid as his role continues to increase entering his fifth season with the team.
“Getting my body right and making sure I was 100 % ready to play an 82-game season and the postseason as well. I feel like last year was my first year kind of leading the charge.”
The 23-year-old has only high praises for George, a six-time All-NBA Team member and like himself, a Most Improved awardee way back in 2013.
“He’s somebody who can do a lot of different things. You kind of just plug and play him, too. That’s the crazy part about him. He’s been an all-star, all-NBA player for almost a decade.
“He knows how to play. He knows how to play a role if he has. He knows how to bail you out if he has to. And at the end of the day, he can also play defense and guard multiple positions. So that’s going to really help us a lot as well.”
the Philly 3??. pic.twitter.com/SxxuXkUiYy
— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) September 30, 2024
Embiid's goal to lead the Sixers to a championship might no longer be a pipe dream, and a good start would just be advancing out of the second round of the playoffs.
The last time Philly won a semifinal series in the Eastern Conference playoffs, Allen Iverson and the late Dikembe Mutombo were still in the team that eventually reached NBA Finals in 2001 before bowing out against the late Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers in five games.
