Credit: Jason Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers are getting ready to start a 2022-23 NBA season where they’ll try to turn things around and show that they are anything but done. Following a tumultuous season where the Ben Simmons drama drew all the attention, now it’s time for the Sixers to focus on basketball and make a statement.
They re-signed James Harden and added a couple of interesting pieces to compete this upcoming season. PJ Tucker’s presence will be highly valued at Wells Fargo Center, as he’s been a terrific defender and a crucial piece for teams trying to make a deep playoff run.
Meanwhile, their superstar is getting ready for a season where many people expect a lot from him. Joel Embiid will surely pick things up right where he left them last campaign and will try to lead this squad to the promised land once and for all.
Joel Embiid Is Done With The NBA MVP Race
After a terrific season where he finished as the MVP runner-up, one would think that Embiid will be playing with a chip on his shoulder, but the big man recently stated that he’s done with all of that. While talking about his expectations for this upcoming season, Embiid was asked about what individual award he’d prefer to win.
The player snubbed the MVP and went with the DPOY, calling out voters for his loss in the past two seasons, saying that his ultimate goal now is to win a title with the 76ers (4:50).
“I don’t really care, but probably Defensive Player of the Year. The last two years I learned that it’s unfortunate for me because when it comes to legacy, I want people to remember me as the best or one of the best players ever, as it’s unfortunate that nowadays you gotta win all these awards and it’s out of my hands. I don’t really care anymore. The first year I really care, last year, not as much. It would be nice [to win the MVP]; not a lot of people have that opportunity to win that or to be in that position. So, to be falling short, being the second two years in a row, it sucks but it’s whatever. I believe in myself and the ultimate goal is to win a championship…”
This upcoming season will be challenging for the Sixers. They fell short last campaign and now that James Harden is healthy and good to go, they’re considered championship contenders again. Doc Rivers has a difficult task in hand, especially knowing that teams like the Milwaukee Bucks, Boston Celtics, and Brooklyn Nets will try to win it all in a stacked Eastern Conference.
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