Joel Embiid Genius Declaration Philadelphia 76ers Replace Cavs

8 of 9

Jan 18, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) reacts as time winds down in the fourth quarter against the Toronto Raptors at Wells Fargo Center. The Philadelphia 76ers won 94-89. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

III: Places everyone in organization on notice: Championship, not playoffs, is the goal.

This cannot be overemphasized. NBA “basketball-minded” thinkers rule the rules of the NBA. As a matter of fact, NBA teams that make the playoffs are AOK. Media treats those teams gently. Questions posed become “what will…?” versus “why did you…?”.

But from a player’s perspective, don’t make public waves is an early lesson. Team distractions raises the ire of coaches and executives. That takes valuable time and energy away from the basketball court.

Unless a player figures out a way to reverse the polarity.

Reverse Polarity

Joel Embiid is such a player. On one hand, perhaps it’s his infectious personality. On the other hand, perhaps it’s a result of two-years of aimless conversations with Hinkie. In summary, it could be the random forces of right-phrase-right-time coincidence.

The Philadelphia 76ers are a team of very gritty, tough, and basketball savvy players. So when Joel Embiid proclaims a high bar for this team, it passes them by.

It’s not until NBA pundits begin chortling that triggers the esprit-de-corps among the players. At that point, tough-minded T.J. McConnell ask the defensive question: “Why can’t we?”. Dario Saric, a player who shines in the toughest situations, begins to believe. Robert Covington, a player who has been through it all with this team, quietly turns his play up a notch. And so begins the avalanche caused by Joel Embiid’s snowflake statement.