Joel Embiid’s Intense Drive to Clinch an NBA Championship Now

Joel Embiid has amassed notable accolades including All-Star selections, All-NBA honors, and an MVP title.

Additionally, he boasts an endorsement deal with a sneaker brand, an Olympic gold medal, and recently, a lucrative contract extension that elevates his career earnings beyond $500 million.

By most standards, Embiid’s professional journey is a remarkable success.

However, there’s a glaring shortfall: his playoff performance.

Ten years into his career, and effectively only eight due to injuries, Embiid’s playoff track record is notably sparse. Despite making seven playoff appearances, his teams—the Philadelphia 76ers—have never progressed beyond the second round. Whether partnered with Ben Simmons, James Harden, or Tyrese Maxey, advancement has eluded them, including a recent defeat to the New York Knicks in the first round.

It’s often argued that basketball is a team sport and injuries have played a significant role, which is valid. Yet, much of the responsibility does fall on Embiid. The Sixers were positioned to overcome the Atlanta Hawks in 2021 and held a series lead against the Boston Celtics in the 2023 conference semifinals but failed to secure victory. While Embiid has shown flashes of greatness—like his 39-point effort on a hurt knee in a desperate Game 6 against New York—his playoff disappointments have accumulated.

On Monday, Embiid spoke to the media following a constructive offseason for the Sixers. The team, with ample cap space, signed four-time All-Star Paul George to a four-year contract. Maxey secured a new deal, and Daryl Morey, the head of basketball operations, strategically enhanced the roster with experienced players like Caleb Martin and Eric Gordon. Kelly Oubre Jr. has even nicknamed the Sixers’ array of three-and-D wings “the plumbers.”

The atmosphere around Embiid is positive, devoid of any drama from Simmons or uncertainty about Harden’s commitment. George is excited about his new team, emphasizing the strong camaraderie. “It’s a real brotherhood,” he remarked. Maxey, only 23, is keen on advancing further.

“Everyone across the board has the same goal,” George added. “Trying to win a championship.”

Above all, Embiid is yearning for a full-strength playoff run. Following the season’s end, he messaged Morey, stressing the necessity to prioritize his health for the playoffs over regular season accolades. “No All-Star, no All-NBA,” declared Embiid, who has also shed 25 to 30 pounds during the offseason and plans to reduce further. The Sixers are likely to manage his playtime, limiting back-to-back games and dense schedules.

“Whatever it takes to ensure I’m ready,” Embiid expressed. “Every year, I’ve faced injuries in the playoffs. The goal is to change that.”

When playing, Embiid aims to lighten his workload. Although he’s secured the scoring title twice in the last three years, this season, he plans to empower his teammates, especially Maxey. At 30, he still has the capability to dominate but believes with the talent around him, he doesn’t need to always take charge.

“I will [score] when necessary,” Embiid stated. “Mostly, I want to let the game come to me. In previous years, the lack of manpower made me step up to win.”

There’s a pressing need to win now. This Sixers squad is aging—George is 34, Gordon 35, and Kyle Lowry 38. “We’re old,” George acknowledged. With Embiid in his prime but having undergone several surgeries, the team has secured a potentially short-lived championship-caliber core with recent signings.

That’s why Embiid’s focus is razor-sharp. His Olympic victory has only fueled his desire to win. For the first time in a while, the Sixers are starting a season without internal conflicts. “Without any negativity,” Embiid noted. With another year under Coach Nick Nurse and a new All-Star teammate, he’s equipped and eager to chase victory.

“I’m excited to just go out there and do my job,” Embiid said.

A job he hopes will extend into June.