Sixers news: Joel Embiid drops Jimmy Butler admission after 76ers exit

In an alternate reality, maybe the Sixers keep Jimmy Butler in 2019. That's surely a thought Joel Embiid has entertained from time to time.

Jimmy Butler was the relentless all series against the Philadelphia 76ers, ultimately toppling them in six games. The Heat star was a constant force for Miami, something that Joel Embiid couldn't help but appreciate – and low-key yearn for.

The two superstars shared their time under the sun with the Sixers during the 2018-19 season. But after just half a season and one playoff run together cut short by four bounces from Kawhi Leonard, Jimmy Butler moved on to South Beach.

Jimmy Butler and Joel Embiid showing love after the Heat eliminate the Sixers in Game 6 🙏🏽pic.twitter.com/KuLpQIKEMR

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) May 13, 2022

Joel Embiid has the utmost respect for Jimmy Butler, both as a brother and a competitor on the court. The Sixers star understands that Jimmy Buckets has another gear he enters to when it's postseason time, something he admittedly wished he could play alongside in Philadelphia still.

“I still don't know how we let him go,” Embiid said after the Sixers' Game 6 elimination.

“Like I said, I'm happy for him. I won't sit here and say I didn't wish he was my teammate. Still don't know how we let him go. I wish I could have gone to battle with him still. But it is what it is. Just got to keep building and keep trying to reach that goal.”

"Still don't know how we let him go"

Embiid on Jimmy Butler no longer being a 76er pic.twitter.com/kyGhZ4dLuI

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 13, 2022

But despite the loss, Joel Embiid stayed respectful and proud of Jimmy Butler and his success, even if it's with another team.

Via Tom Moore:

“Obviously, that's my guy. That's my brother,” the Sixers star continued. “I mean it's tough, but I'm so proud of him. He's playing at a real level. He's something else right now. I'm proud of him for being at this level and carrying them. They've had ups and downs the whole season, missing guys, not being healthy and yet they still found a way to be the number one team in the East.”

Joel Embiid has played like an MVP for the last couple of seasons, but just can't seem to find the right supporting cast to help get the Sixers to the next level.

In an alternate reality, perhaps the Sixers did keep Jimmy Butler back in 2019. That's surely a thought Joel Embiid has entertained from time to time.