76ers’ Embiid not worrying about potential Celtics dynasty: ‘The whole East was hurt’
Celts Sixers
Philadelphia 76ers star big man Joel Embiid isn’t worried about the start of a potential Boston Celtics dynasty.
With the Celtics one win away from their 18th title in franchise history, Embiid was in the building for Game 4 and joined ESPN’s NBA Countdown panel to discuss Boston’s incredible run this season.
But Embiid, a conference rival of the Celtics, believes that even if the Celtics close out the 2024 Finals over the Dallas Mavericks, a Beantown dynasty isn’t in the cards.
“I don’t think so, not with the new CBA,” Embiid told ESPN. “You also gotta understand, the whole East was kind of hurt this year, myself included.”
Asked if he was coming for the Celtics next year?
“That’s a pretty good bet,” Embiid said.
Embiid struggled with injuries this season, as he played in just 39 regular season games where he averaged 34.7 points and 11 rebounds.
The 2023 MVP had surgery in early February to repair an injury to the lateral meniscus in his left knee that forced him to miss close to two months.
He returned near the end of the regular season and played in the 76ers’ Round 1 series against the New York Knicks which they lost in six games. However, he was still clearly bothered by the knee injury and a lack of conditioning due to the injury.
The 76ers star also made sure to take one last shot at the Celtics before he left the ESPN panel.
“I can’t stand them, I hate Boston,” Embiid said when asked how the Celtics’ run has made him feel. “Great city, great fans, and obviously they have some great players.
“But it hurts me a lot.”