“That’s not all that matters” - Joel Embiid gives candid take on Philadelphia 76ers’ aspirations
Joel Embiid is having another fantastic season and could finally win his first MVP award. The Philadelphia 76ers have one of the best records in the league and are among the favorites to win a championship.
Embiid is the biggest reason why the Sixers are competitive. However, the 7-foot center has seen it all during his professional career and he's been with the team during the 10-win season.
The 6-time All-Star recently shared his thoughts regarding a championship. According to him, winning a championship is not all that matters. Being competitive every single season is also very important.
Joel Embiid doesn't think that championships are all that matter
The Philadelphia 76ers big man is 29 and his championship window might close very soon. Embiid made his NBA debut in the 2016-17 season, yet his biggest achievement so far was winning a few games in the second round of the playoffs.
However, the 29-year-old center doesn't seem to be very concerned with winning a championship. He doesn't think that's all that matters.
“Everybody is always basing everything on winning a championship, Embiid said. "But that’s not all that matters."
"Obviously, you want to win a championship. But would you rather be in contention every year? Or would you [rather] be at the bottom and fighting to make the playoffs every single year?” Embiid added.
Since the 2017-18 season, the Philadelphia 76ers have been in the playoffs every year. They had one first-round exit, while they were knocked out in the second round in every other season.
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The Sixers are 51-26 and third in the Eastern Conference this season. They will likely stay in this position and play against the Brooklyn Nets in the first round of the playoffs. Considering that they are a much better team, they will probably advance to the second round once again.
Joel Embiid and James Harden are playing incredibly well and could lead the 76ers to the NBA Finals. At the very least, 76ers fans expect the team to reach the Eastern Conference Finals.
They have advanced to this round since 2001, when Allen Iverson led the team to the NBA Finals against the LA Lakers. Iverson did not have much help, but Embiid and Harden could certainly do a better job, no matter who their opponent is.
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Joel Embiid's recent comments are somewhat unusual as he is very competitive. However, there is no doubt that he will play fantastic basketball in the postseason and do his best to win at least two rounds.