"Not the MVP" - NBA analyst dishes blueprint for Joel Embiid to win championship alongside Paul George
This offseason was an important stretch for the Philadelphia 76ers as they added Paul George to a Joel Embiid-led roster. It makes the team more versatile while adding more options to support the 2023 MVP. During a segment of ESPN's "NBA Today," analyst Zach Lowe shared the possible blueprint for Embiid to capture his first championship.
Paired alongside Paul George and Tyrese Maxey, the Sixers big man has a supporting cast that can aid in his continuous goal of bringing home a title to Philadelphia. However, Lowe emphasized the importance of remaining healthy, especially during the entirety of the postseason.
"This team can absolutely win the championship" Lowe said. "They still have a move to make at the trade deadline, and the assets to make it. But another second round exit, if they're healthy and for Joel Embiid priority number one, not the MVP, not All-NBA, not any of that stuff. It's April healthy and a second round exit again would be a disappointment."
Individual recognition and accolades are nothing new to Embiid's resume. However, the missing gap in his work is the elusive championship that he has fallen short of capturing. The dominant center has not even reached the conference finals once in his career with constant first and second-round exits.
With a stable and championship-caliber 76ers roster, the expectations are high for Embiid to get the job done and handle his business come playoff season.
Joel Embiid talked about his vision to remain a 76er for life following his latest contract extension
Embiid was originally selected third overall in the 2014 draft as part of the franchise's goal of building a strong foundation for years to come. He has played in eight seasons with the organization and has signed on for three more years with his $193 million extension.
Joel Embiid emphasized his preference to remain a Sixer and his focus on delivering an NBA Championship in a released statement.
"I started a Sixer and want to be right here for the rest of my career," Embiid said. "I had no idea when I was drafted as a 20-year-old kid from Cameroon how lucky I was to be in Philadelphia. Through all the ups and downs, this city and the fans have been everything, and I am so grateful for how they've embraced me."
"Philadelphia is home and it's time to bring this community an NBA championship."
Embiid posted his most dominant numbers last season, averaging 34.7 points (52.9% shooting, including 38.8% from three-point range), 11.0 rebounds and 5.6 assists per game. However, he could only play in 39 games due to a left knee-torn meniscus injury.