“The Sixers team this season is the best-constructed team in the Joel Embiid era” – NBA analyst defers believing that 76ers will win the Eastern Conference Finals over Milwaukee Bucks
Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers are expected to have a great 2022-23 NBA season with the notable updates they had over the summer. However, ESPN's Brian Windhorst thinks that the Sixers aren't good enough to beat the top teams of the East.
In the new edition of NBA Crosscourt, notable NBA analyst Brian Windhorst was asked about his thoughts on the Sixers in the segment, Change My Mind. Windy was asked if he believes the Sixers are good enough to take over the Eastern Conference. With a decent supporting cast and a center who's in the middle of his prime, the stars are aligned perfectly for Philly.
However, Windhorst isn't fully buying into the possibility of the Sixers running the East. With so many teams that have improved over the summer, it'll be tough for the Sixers to rule the conference.
"The Sixers team this season is the best-constructed team in the Joel Embiid era. They have floor stretchers, they have have defense," Windhorst said.
"There's a lot to like about'em. But I just don't know if they can run the gauntlet in the East with Giannis [Antetokounmpo], with the [Boston] Celtics, with the [Brooklyn] Nets, with the Cavs, with the [Atlanta] Hawks, with the [Miami] Heat. It's a big ask."
"I'm gonna stick with Giannis until someone proves me wrong."
The Sixers started their 2022-23 campaign with a loss against the Boston Celtics last night. Despite losing, Joel Embiid and James Harden played really well together. They combined for 62 points together and looked like they were fully engaged throughout the game. But that wasn't enough as both Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum scored 35 points each and handed the Sixers their first loss of the season. Their next game against the Boston Celtics will be on February 8th.
What are Joel Embiid's chances to win MVP?
Last season, Joel Embiid had his best season as a Sixer so far. Throughout the entire season, he was included in the MVP race and never lost a beat. He finished the 2022-23 NBA season as the runner-up for the MVP award. He averaged 30.6 points, 11.7 rebounds and 4.2 assists. Embiid shot the ball fairly well, shooting over 50% from the field and 37% from downtown.
He's the favorite to win the award this season. It could be his year as Joel Embiid finally has enough help. With James Harden taking on less pay to surround himself and Embiid with better help. The five-time All-Star could take over the East. The only problem is that he has tougher competition for the award this season.
What are Giannis Antetokounmpo's chances to win MVP?
When talking about MVP contenders, Giannis Antetokounmpo is always in the conversation. He's already won the award twice in back-to-back seasons. Back in the 2018-19 and 2019-20 seasons, Antetokounmpo cemented himself as one of the top players in the league.
Giannis seems to be getting better and he could win the MVP for a third time this season. Last year, he finished behind Joel Embiid as in the MVP voting and had an incredible run. Antetokounmpo averaged 30 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 5.8 assists while shooting over 55% from the field and 29% from the perimeter.
If there is one sure player that could hinder Embiid's chances at winning the MVP, it's Giannis Antetokounmpo. Fans will get to see the two players match up against each other tomorrow night.