“I think I am that talented.” Talented for what? To be in the GOAT conversation, of course! And who are we talking about? Joel Embiid. Yup, the 76ers’ big man believes that if it were not for “freak injuries”, he would definitely be in the GOAT conversation. However, we have two Celtics legends who somehow forgot Embiid in the ‘superstar conversation’, let alone the GOAT.

Kevin Garnett and Paul Pierce discuss the criteria for being a superstar in the latest episode of Ticket & The Truth | KG CERTIFIED, and even in the 10+ names they got off the top of their head, Embiid’s name did not make an appearance. What were the criteria, though?

“I want my superstar to be a great leader. He’s got to be a walking bucket. And then his influence and work ethic has to come into these plays,” KG said, listing out what he believes maketh a ‘superstar’. In short, for the ‘Big Ticket’, a “superstar has another type of aura and influence on all of it.”

I think we can all agree that there is no way we can ignore a hulking 7-foot giant in the room that has made waves across the globe. Just his presence on the court in itself has opponents rethinking their strategy for the night. And as for being a leader. The Cameroonian big man has steadily developed into a leader for the Sixers.

Especially with Philly in the run to get a title, Joel Embiid has taken a rather serious and accountable role, be it guiding his teammates or communicating with the franchise. What about being a walking bucket? Since the 2021-22 season, the 7x All-Star has averaged 30+ points on any given night.

Granted, the number of games he’s played is a factor to consider, because can he maintain this throughout? If it’s any consolation, he has a career 27.9 points per game. But as mentioned above, had Embiid not been injury-prone, it isn’t hard to imagine the chaos that would ensue as he leads the ‘City of Brotherly Love’ to a certain victory. Unfortunately, he doesn’t have the best track record when it comes to postseason performances.

Going back to Garnett and Pierce, though, who were the players that did make the list?

If not Joel Embiid, then who?

The NBA is in no way lacking superstars. From the ‘King’ himself to ‘Zanos’, the list is long and diverse. And for KG and ‘The Truth’, it’s some of the obvious choices. But you have to know that the former 15x All-Star was of the opinion that the NBA, at best, will have just 10 superstars. Pierce looked at his co-host like he was crazy. And so they decided to just settle that then and there.

“You got Joker, Greek Freak … Tatum’s in the Superstar category. So that’s three. Then you got Curry, LeBron, Durant – that’s six. For sure, the OG’s is the superstars,” Pierce noted. Seeing the direction it was taking, the ex-DPOY had two of his own – Ja Morant and Luka Doncic. The next two weren’t something Kevin Garnett was completely sold on, but he still let it pass – Kyrie Irving and Kawhi Leonard.

His hesitancy for the final two is understandable, given the criteria KG just listed above. While the two might be walking buckets, the work ethic of Kai and the leadership of the injury-prone ‘Klaw’ have often raised more than a few eyebrows. But the pair weren’t done. Once on the ride, it seems they would just see through it to the end, meaning a few borderline superstars.

Tyrese Haliburton, Jalen Brunson, Zion Williamson, Devin Booker, and almost like they made a huge fumble, Pierce immediately added Jaylen Brown to the list. “He in there now. He gotta be in there,” the ex-10x All-Star said. Garnett saw the error of his ways as he said, “Sheez! That’s a lot!”

It sure is. And there is more to come. Hopefully, though, the next time they revisit their superstar list, Joel Embiid is on it.