Joel Embiid (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)
Before game 4 of the NBA Finals series between the Celtics and the Mavericks, Joel Embiid was featured on ESPN’s “NBA Countdown” and made himself clear about the former. The Cs might have impressed many with their Finals run. But Joel Embiid wasn’t one of them, and he explained exactly why that was the case.

Embiid was asked during the show whether the Celtics have a dynasty going, to which Embiid said, “You gotta understand the whole East was kind of hurt this year — myself included.” He also said that he hates the Celtics despite the city being great.

Embiid missed 39 regular-season games due to his meniscus surgery in February. The Cameroonian came back in action in April, but by that time, the Celtics had sealed their top seed. The Knicks eliminated Embiid and Co. as the former MVP suffered from a mild case of Bell’s Palsy.

The Celtics faced the Heat in the first round, and Jimmy Butler was absent. Then they faced the Cavs, and this time, Donovan Mitchell was sidelined in the latter stages of the series. The trend continued against the Pacers, as Tyrese Haliburton picked up an injury in the series.

As Embiid pointed out, the whole East was injured, including Giannis Antetokounmpo, who missed the playoffs. With no disrespect to the Pacers, Giannis’ absence definitely helped them. The same happened with Jalen Brunson in the series against the Pacers, where he got injured at the deciding end of the series.

But Embiid made himself clear that he wants to be in the NBA Finals and not in the role of an analyst. For this, the Sixers needed to add some pieces to their puzzle, and one of the pieces was just lying around Embiid.

Joel Embiid and Paul George Intensify Free Agency Rumors

On the same show, Joel Embiid had a partner with him. The Sixers center had Paul George by his side, and the recent speculations about the Clippers’ forward joining Philly intensified.

Embiid went on record and said, “Hopefully, this offseason, we find a way to get better and, you know, add some pieces,” and looked at George with a meaningful smile.

PG 13 is set for free agency in the summer. The LA side has yet to offer a contract to the veteran. Since their play-off elimination at the hands of the Mavs, rumors popped up about Paul George joining Joel Embiid in the 76ers’ setup.

Paul George reportedly is on a shortlist for the Sixers that includes LeBron James, Jimmy Butler, and Brandon Ingram. The franchise wants a third star to join the team to create a big three with Embiid and Tyrese Maxey.

With the talks of Maxey’s contract extension, the Sixers might be left to choose from a thinner pool of players. However, Embiid’s appearance with Paul George could have significance as we head into a long summer of speculations.