PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 11: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the game during round two game six of the 2023 NBA Playoffs on on May 11, 2023 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE

Embiid: I want to win championship in 'Philly or anywhere else'

3 years ago

David Dow / National Basketball Association / Getty

Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid was candid about his future during an interview with SpringHill Entertainment CEO Maverick Carter at the UNINTERRUPTED Film Festival last week.

"I just want to win a championship. Whatever it takes. 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," Embiid said. "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 ... Every single day, I work hard to be at that level so I can produce and make it happen."

Embiid responded to a tweet about his remarks Monday, suggesting the person check his display name.

Buddy Check my middle name https://t.co/m9CtdaK4Kg
— Joel “Troel” Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) July 17, 2023

Philadelphia was eliminated in the second round of the playoffs for the fifth time in six seasons. The 76ers squandered a chance to close out the Boston Celtics at home in Game 6 and were blown out in the next contest. The club hasn't advanced past the Eastern Conference semis since reaching the 2001 NBA Finals.

Head coach Doc Rivers was fired following the postseason and replaced with Nick Nurse. Philadelphia added Mo Bamba and Patrick Beverley in free agency, while big men Paul Reed and Montrezl Harrell stayed put. However, the 76ers' title hopes could take a big hit with James Harden reportedly seeking a trade.

Embiid averaged a career-high 33.1 points, 10.2 boards, 4.2 assists, and 1.7 blocks over 66 appearances last season. The former No. 3 overall pick captured his first MVP award and his second straight scoring title. He's under contract for at least three more seasons and has a $59-million player option for the 2026-27 campaign.