Joel Embiid is realistic about Jayson Tatum’s success with the Celtics Super Team. If I go 5-20, we’ll be blown away

Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid is still criticizing the Boston Celtics’ NBA title win last season. Embiid claimed they won because they had a “super team” led by his Olympic teammate, Jayson Tatum.

The former league MVP shared his thoughts on Tuesday’s episode of The Check Ball Show on YouTube, emphasizing that he could have won under similar circumstances.

“I told him the same thing. If I get 5 of 20 (on the floor), we’re going to be blown away,” Embiid said.

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Joel Embiid argued the Celtics dominated the 2024 playoffs because everyone was injured

When comparing individual skills, few would confidently say Tatum is better than Embiid. Tatum may be more versatile as a forward, but he hasn’t matched Embiid’s level of production. The 76ers rely heavily on every point Embiid scores as their franchise player.

Embiid casually referred to the Celtics as a superteam following the NBA Finals, where Boston celebrated its 18th NBA Championship by defeating the Dallas Mavericks. During the Finals, Embiid appeared on ESPN and dismissed the idea that the Celtics were a dynasty, citing the new CBA and injuries in the Eastern Conference.

“I don’t think so, not with the new CBA. You also have to understand that the whole East is affected, myself included. There is a big chance that I will come next year.”

The first point about the CBA has already been disproven. While the Celtics continued to pay long-term contracts to every player eligible for an extension, they ignored the second apron rules of the CBA. The current owner plans to sell the team soon, leaving salary issues and CBA consequences to the next owner.

The injuries were unmistakable. The Celtics defeated the Miami Heat without Jimmy Butler in the first round, beating a Cavaliers team missing Donovan Mitchell and Jarrett Allen. Other matchups also suffered from injuries, such as the Indiana Pacers beating the Milwaukee Bucks due to injuries to Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.

The Knicks benefited from the injuries of Joel Embiid and the 76ers in the first round, but later suffered injuries against the Pacers: Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby and Julius Randle. Tyrese Haliburton was injured in the Conference Finals.

Injuries are a part of the game and the Celtics have taken advantage of them. Embiid needs to position himself to take advantage of similar situations as other teams deal with injuries.

Joel Embiid and the Sixers have formed their own super team

While Embiid lamented the lack of support last season, the upcoming season looks different for the Philadelphia 76ers, who have created their own “super team” by adding All-Star wingman Paul George to their roster.

George left the LA Clippers and signed with the 76ers on a four-year, $212 million contract. He will join forces with Embiid and Tyrese Maxey to form a formidable ‘Big 3’ in the Eastern Conference.

George averaged 22.6 points, 5.2 rebounds, 3.5 assists and 1.5 steals and was selected to the All-Star team for the ninth time last season.

In addition to George, the Sixers also signed veterans Andre Drummond, Eric Gordon and Reggie Jackson. Drummond is expected to replace Embiid at center, while Gordon and Jackson will bolster the guard rotation, which also includes Kyle Lowry.

Another key addition is Caleb Martin from the Miami Heat. He will team up with George, KJ Martin and Kelly Oubre Jr. at the wing position.

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