Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers have emerged as early favorites to get out of the Eastern Conference this year following their red-hot 13-6 start. While a lot of fans and pundits are now hopping aboard the Sixers hype train, ESPN analyst Jay Williams is still not impressed.
In the latest episode of ESPN Radio’s morning show, the former NBA player had some strong words against Philly's superstar center and even shared a bold prediction about the Sixers.
“I just don’t trust Joel Embiid. He is having an incredible season and is in my MVP conversation. I just wonder about his durability when stuff gets tough. When it comes time to make a play. I know that Doc Rivers is supposed to unlock Tobias Harris, and he did have a game-winning shot last night (for the Sixers). But there’s something about this team, just feels like they are lacking that leadership and that success.
I feel like right now if I would bet my money I would be on the Brooklyn Nets and the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference Finals before the Philadelphia 76ers in that conversation.”
The new and improved Sixers team has indeed lived up to the hype so far, as the new president of basketball operations Daryl Morey and head coach Doc Rivers has assembled a formidable unit in the offseason.
Joel Embiid is also playing the best basketball of his pro career with the Sixers, notching MVP-type numbers of 27.7 points, 11.1 rebounds. 2.8 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.4 blocks.
The Cameroonian slotman was key in the Sixers' close win against defending champions Los Angeles Lakers in their last outing, tallying 28 points.
Still, it's not hard to see why Jay Williams continues to be skeptical of the Sixers. Doc Rivers, of course, do have a reputation for playoff meltdowns, while Embiid and the rest of the team have also endured painful losses in the past.
The jury is still out if Philly can continue its winning ways. But as far as Williams is concerned, they're still the same old Sixers team of the past.
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