“Given Up”: Despite Joel Embiid Throwing Kitchen Sink to Get Paul George, 54YO Media Vet Has No Hopes for 76ers

With Paul George not yet signing the extension with the Clippers, trade rumors surrounding him are at an all-time high. One of them involves a change in conference, with the potential destination being the Philadelphia 76ers. The Sixers barely managed to make it to the playoffs despite their cornerstone being injured throughout the second half of the season. However, after going through a meniscus surgery on his left knee and missing about 11 games, Joel Embiid made a comeback just in time for the playoffs. But all his efforts went in vain as the Sixers lost against Jalen Brunson’s Knicks.

Looking at the former MVP’s performance, Bill Simmons was not impressed and spoke about him on the Bill Simmons Podcast  “I just feel like I’ve given up. I just don’t think he gets it. Like even seeing him on the halftime show or whatever, the pregame show, the clips, I’m just like ‘Oh, man.'”

He further went on to call out Embiid for his attitude, “You haven’t come through in one playoff series in your entire career. And I don’t even think he realizes that like, you’re 30, you know, how many excuses can we have?”

Even though Embiid averaged a double-double in the season with 34.7 points and 11 rebounds, he has always been prone to injury. And because of that, despite all the caliber the 30-year-old star possesses, he is not reliable. So, if the Sixers managed to add another star to their roster, a lot of their problems could be solved. Plus, if rumor mills are to be believed, Paul George is a perfect fit for them. Everyone saw Joel Embiid was trying to persuade the Clippers star, openly on the pregame show which substantiated the rumors circulating PG and the Sixers.

Joel Embiid hints at wanting Paul George at the Clippers

During the Finals, Joel Embiid utilized his appearance on ESPN’s NBA Countdown to relay an obvious point: the Philadelphia 76ers want to improve their squad by adding an outstanding athlete like Paul George. Sitting next to George, Embiid hinted at the Sixers’ plans to improve the squad in the upcoming offseason saying, “Hopefully this off-season, we find a way to get better and you know add some pieces,” followed with a subtle yet directed gesture and a deliberate grin at George.

By highlighting George’s talent and the Sixers’ current roster qualities, Embiid presented a persuasive argument for George to join Philadelphia. The team’s financial freedom and Daryl Morey’s history of bold decisions heightened the appeal of playing alongside Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. So, with the Sixers capable of offering a competitive salary, Embiid’s live TV manifestation was more than simply an offer. It was a deliberate strategy designed to entice George to make the move to Philadelphia.

However, what do you think? Will Embiid’s pitch help the Sixers add a third star to their roster?

And Before leaving, be sure to check out some insights that Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, shared about WNBA stars, Angel Reese and Caitlin Clark.