MVP and Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid wants NBA title ‘in Philly or anywhere else’
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Joel Embiid signed a four-year, US$213 million (S$281.52 million) contract extension in 2021 that runs through 2026-27
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PHILADELPHIA – Joel Embiid might be done trusting the process in Philadelphia if the 76ers fail to play for a championship in the near future.
He was named National Basketball Association Most Valuable Player (MVP) for the 2022-23 season and enters his eighth season with the franchise contemplating his next move.
“I just want to win a championship. Whatever it takes,” the Cameroonian said in an interview with Maverick Carter that took place on Thursday at the Uninterrupted Sports Film Festival.
“I don’t know where that’s gonna be, whether it’s in Philly or anywhere else, I just want to have a chance to accomplish that. I want to see what it feels like to win that first one and then you can think about the next one.
“It’s not easy, but it takes more than one or two, three guys. You got to have good people around you and myself every single day, I work hard to be at that level, so I can make it happen. So, every single day, I’m working towards that.”
He said he “loves the challenge” of hearing other players mentioned for MVP honours and proving himself.
“I understand the business, it’s fun at the end of the day, I think of it like this: I’m extremely blessed,” Embiid said.
The 29-year-old was in Los Angeles to launch his own film studio, but appears to have no control over who will be his co-star next season.
He has been paired with Ben Simmons and James Harden as the 76ers attempted to break through in the Eastern Conference.
Simmons was traded for Harden, who returned last season for less than a maximum contract, only to request a trade entering the 2023-24 season. Harden reportedly informed the 76ers, who lost to the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference semi-finals last season, that he wants to play for the Los Angeles Clippers.
Embiid said in June he was hopeful the 33-year-old guard would still change his mind.
He signed a four-year, US$213 million (S$281.5 million) contract extension in 2021 that runs up to 2027. REUTERS
