RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesFormer NBA All-Star sees a healthy Joel Embiid leading the 76ers to a championship originally appeared on The Sporting News .
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Ahead of the 2026-27 NBA season, the Philadelphia 76ers are being tapped as one of the favorites in the Eastern Conference. LeBron James and Jaylen Brown joining the team is a big deal for this Philly side because they are ready to cement themselves as the players who can elevate the 76ers .
For the longest time, Joel Embiid has tried to be the superstar for Philly. He has done well for himself, as he has an MVP under his belt. However, the knock against him has been about his lack of postseason success. The 76ers have not reached the Eastern Conference Finals since the Allen Iverson-led run in 2001.
Joe Johnson believes Joel Embiid can be the key to a 76ers championship
While Brown and James do make the headlines for the 76ers as the new stars, most people who know about the 76ers should acknowledge Embiid's stardom. When he is healthy, he is the best player on this team. Even if Brown and James are there, a healthy Embiid is arguably the best center in the league.
Considering that Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama also play in the league, that is a massive statement. However, Embiid does show that he can be one of the best in the league today, which he displayed during some instances in the past few years.
MORE: Mike Gansey's encouraging Joel Embiid update in the offseason
Former multi-time NBA All-Star Joe Johnson has seen plenty of talented players go through the door. Embiid is among those players, but he has not gotten close to that elusive championship. Now, Johnson sees Embiid as the potential catalyst for the 76ers' potential path to the first title since 1983.
"But if this man right here, he look good. He look like he in great shape. I hope he can get it up and down the court with this. But if he can keep this up, Unc and Ocho, he in great shape and he’s back to where he’s virtually unguardable. Hey, Unc, I'mma send you about 50k, man. I need you to go put it down on Philly. I think I’m going to put that on Philly to win it," Johnson said on Nightcap with Chad "Ochocinco" Johnson and Shannon Sharpe .
He is making a bold claim with the 76ers, but Embiid has done a magnificent job of working hard in the offseason. With how he looks, Embiid could truly be the key to winning a championship for this 76ers team. They have been struggling for a long time without one, so Embiid could truly cement himself as a legend in Philly.
More NBA news:
A five-time All-Star could join the Philadelphia 76ers because of LeBron James
Mike Gansey explains how aggression played a role in the market for the 76ers
Jaylen Brown acknowledges his dynamic with former co-star Jayson Tatum
Jaylen Brown knows VJ Edgecombe will shine in his new role on the 76ers
Nick Nurse provides a positive update about Joel Embiid's offseason work
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