Embiid says he hopes Sixers can ‘add some pieces’ (and gives George quite a look)

Embiid says he hopes Sixers can ‘add some pieces’ (and gives George quite a look) originally appeared in NBC Sports Philadelphia

When discussing the upcoming offseason for the Sixers, Joel Embiid made sure to take a sly look to his right.

Embiid appeared on ESPN’s NBA Countdown Friday night in Dallas, before the Mavericks extended the NBA Finals with a 38-point Game 4 victory over the Celtics. He was asked about Boston being on the brink of a championship.

“I can’t stand them,” he said. “I can’t stand them; I hate Boston. Great city, great fans, obviously they have great players. But it hurts me a lot.”

Embiid then concluded his response with a very pointed look at fellow panelist Paul George.

“Hopefully this offseason we find a way to improve and add some pieces,” he said with a smile.

The Sixers’ interest in George was widely reported. The nine-time All-Star wing has yet to receive an extension offer he likes from the Clippers and the Sixers are in a unique position this summer to make big offers for such a potential free agent star. George has a $48.8 million player option for the 2024-25 season.

Neither Embiid, 30, nor George, 34, have reached the Finals in their careers.

“That’s the goal,” Embiid said. “You want to win a championship. All I care about is the legacy. How can I find a way to accomplish what I want to accomplish? And that’s winning a championship. Whether I have to find a way to do it with what I have or what they created for us to win, I’m going to try my best to make it happen.”

“This is my first appearance in the finals and I hate that it happened this way,” George said. “Watching from the sidelines is not good. Congratulations to the two teams that made it this far. But when you think about what we should have done and could have done better to be where they are now… all the little pieces, you start to think about them.”

Embiid played with Bell’s palsy and left knee problems this postseason during the Sixers’ narrow first-round loss to the Knicks.

He said he is “doing great” and “just getting ready for the Olympics” with Team USA. Ffollowing a series of exhibition games next monthThe team’s first action in the group stage in Paris will be on July 28, against Serbia.

“It’s going to be big for me because I’ve dreamed about this since I was a kid,” Embiid said. “I’m excited about it, just to be part of the experience. Growing up and watching it, I just wanted to be in it. But I feel very good. I’m excited to get back and work.”

And as for what’s next in the NBA, Embiid disagreed with the notion that the Celtics could be in the early stages of a dynasty.

“I don’t think so,” he said, “not with the new CBA. And you also need to understand that the entire (Eastern Conference) took a hit this year, including me. … I’m the MVP. Do not forget that. I just need to have a little luck, stay healthy and I know everything else will take care of itself.”