ESPN blatantly encouraged Joel Embiid to recruit Paul George during an awkward interview
Joel Embiid was an impromptu TV panelist before Game 4 of the 2024 NBA Finals and his segment may have raised some eyebrows.
During his appearance on ABC’s NBA Countdown, the 2023 NBA MVP joined a panel that included L.A. Clippers star Paul George as well as Stephen A. Smith, Michael Wilbon and Kendrick Perkins.
Embiid spoke about the upcoming game between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks. Embiid’s 76ers were eliminated before they had a chance to play against Boston in the postseason.
While he called them a superteam, he made it clear that he doesn’t think this is the start of a dynasty because of tighter restrictions with the new collective bargaining agreement.
“and you know…add some pieces”
– Joel Embiid looks at Paul George while saying he wants to add pieces this offseason
(@JakeMarc23)
pic.twitter.com/7dyB7IMBwK— J
(@SixersJustin) June 15, 2024
Embiid said it “hurts him a lot” to see the Celtics have a chance to play for a title, he said that hopefully the 76ers can find some pieces this offseason so it is him with a chance to win the Larry O’Brien Trophy next season.
Shortly after that, Wilbon agreed that perhaps one more piece is exactly what Philadelphia will need.
Kendrick Perkins didn’t hold any punches, though, and suggested that piece is sitting next to him: Paul George, who has a player option in his contract and could become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.
Michael Wilbon: "Maybe one more piece, Joel!"
Kendrick Perkins to Joel: "That's the piece, sitting right next to him."
Stephen A: "P, I see you, I see you"
The expected week on TV lol
— Law Murray
(@LawMurrayTheNU) June 15, 2024
Philadelphia could create the cap space to sign George if the wing does not agree to a long-term extension with the Clippers.
But seeing it spelled out so plainly on national TV before the NBA Finals was quite a sight.
NBA fans reacted to the segment
"The piece might might be sitting right beside of you"
Perkins to Embiid as Paul George is sitting right next to him
What a bizarre pregame show. What the hell did I just watch hahahahaha
— Justin W. (@LAClippersFilm) June 15, 2024
Live look at Steve Ballmer seeing Embiid on set with PG-13: pic.twitter.com/VaIuAwNWrv
— David Aldridge (@davidaldridgedc) June 15, 2024
Joel Embiid asked about how it feels watching the Celtics about to win a championship- “I can’t stand them. I hate Boston…It hurts me a lot.”
A smile on his face as he wraps up saying the Sixers just need to add some more pieces this off-season as he sits next to Paul George
— Sean Barnard (@Sean_Barnard1) June 15, 2024
I'm sure Paul George and Joel Embiid on set together is going to go over cool
Paul George: "This is my first Finals appearance, and I hate that it had to come in this fashion. Watching from the sideline, it don't feel good"
Joel Embiid: "I want to be here, I want to win so bad"
— Law Murray
Subtlety has never been Joel Embiid’s strength. (But for the record, this is easily his most blatant recruiting job.) https://t.co/lSS7yESHCz
— Paul Hudrick (@PaulHudrick) June 15, 2024