Joel Embiid Believes In 76ers Championship Potential In First Comments Since Paul George Signing

“The goal is always to win a championship,” Joel Embiid told ESPN in his first sit-down since general manager Daryl Morey put together a big three in Philadelphia by adding Paul George to the roster.

Embiid appears healthy, playing summer basketball with Team USA this summer at the Olympics. But, he cannot wait to touch the floor with George, a nine-time All-Star and six-time All-NBA performer.

“I don’t have to exert myself and make sure I have to have 30, 40 every single night for us to win, and I can let them do their thing.”

“On paper, and as far as the fit, it looks fantastic because you got both guys that can play off the ball, and they can play on ball, and they’re great shooters, and they can handle the ball, and then you also got me.”

George can carry a team on his own, something the 76ers have not given Embiid during his time in Philly. Ben Simmons was the first attempt at someone who could pair with the former MVP, but he never found his rhythm and flamed out of Philadelphia.

Tobias Harris and Jimmy Butler were the next options, but the former worsened each season, and the latter bottled for Miami after a one-year stint. Tyrese Maxey just received a max extension from the 76ers, but being the third star, not the co-star, fits his game as he develops as a player. George and Embiid have never advanced to the NBA Finals or won an NBA championship, but the new trio will have the best crack in their professional careers at a title.

While stars influence winning the most in the NBA, the 76ers got depth around their top talent. Caleb Martin took a flight north from the Miami Heat, signing a four-year $32 million deal with his former Eastern Conference rival. Kyle Lowry decided to stay in his hometown for at least one more season.

The pieces have fallen into place and Philadelphia can start dreaming of the season for the first time in years.