The NBA world got its first glimpse of Joel Embiid after his early playoff exit. But this time on an entirely different ball game. The Philadelphia 76ers center joined CBS Sports’ UCL Today crew ahead of the UEFA Champions League Finals. The Cameroonian-American star picked his favorite team and player for the night and made a resounding contradictory claim, only to severely backfire.

The Sixers star wasn’t wrong about his pick for the Finals, as he picked Real Madrid and they went on to win their 15th title. On the other hand, he picked Vinicius Jr as his favorite player and the 23-year-old went on to score a crucial goal. However, the trouble began the moment Embiid picked Vini Jr., as the crew put forward an eye-opening question. They asked, “Who’s team is this? Vini Jr. or Jude Bellingham.” He paused for a moment and said, “Football (soccer) is a team sport,” leaving the CBS panel to scream in disbelief.

But the crew immediately put him on the lock when they asked if the Sixers were his team. Joel Embiid, without any hesitation, said it was his team. Nevertheless, he further made a diplomatic claim, saying, “But, listen, you can’t win alone… we all equally have the same job to do and we all have to show up.” Anyhow, the crew finally managed to get him this time when they asked if he would have the ball if the game was on the line. He finally budged and said, “I have to. I am paid the big bucks. I love it… want it.”

Yes indeed, after the exit of James Harden from the side, Embiid is literally the only go-to option for the Sixers. At the same time, The Beard’s exit helped the side find a new star, Tyrese Maxey, who had a breakout season, averaging 25.9 points per game.

Will the Sixers reshape their roster in the off-season?

The Philly side has a huge cap space of $65 million, heading into the off-season. While the team managed to give a tough fight in the postseason with the available roster, they should further strengthen their team. Joel Embiid has already taken over the leadership role and will look to continue doing so despite the upcoming change in the roster. Speaking of Embiid’s leadership, Maxey said, “He’s raised his level of play, so we have to raise ours because that’s our best player.

And the Sixers will reshape their roster with the available cap space. But, the question is, who will fill the vacancy? Over the last few weeks, many names have loomed over the NBA world. Majorly, the rumors were surrounding Paul George and Klay Thompson.

The latest report in the hoops town revealed the Sixers front office’s interest in Jimmy Butler. The former Sixer became the centerpiece of the Miami Heat attack. According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, the team would look to rope in JB for a maximum salary if he managed to force a trade out of Miami. The inclusion of the star forward will only strengthen the side, given the breakout performance of Tyrese Maxey and the dominant center.

Will Jimmy Butler find his way back to the Philly side? Let us know in the comments below.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow in what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, had to say about the marketing genius, watch this video.