The Sixer Sense
Fansided

The indomitable Philadelphia 76ers prepare for Boston Celtics

UNIONDALE, NY - OCTOBER 11: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on October 11, 2017 at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
UNIONDALE, NY - OCTOBER 11: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the game against the Brooklyn Nets on October 11, 2017 at Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Uniondale, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2017 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
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PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 5: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers puts up the layup against the Denver Nuggets at Wells Fargo Center on December 5, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA – DECEMBER 5: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers puts up the layup against the Denver Nuggets at Wells Fargo Center on December 5, 2016 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2016 NBAE (Photo by Jesse D. Garrabrant/NBAE via Getty Images)

Greatest statement yet

But his greatest social media move occurred when he declared the Philadelphia 76ers as the heir apparent to replace the Cleveland Cavaliers as the next best team in the NBA East.  We covered that event at length, but let’s summarize the benefits of that bold statement.

He sent a message to players and front office alike as to the goal. Now, everyone is on the same page. He indirectly advertised to prospective free agents to check out the Philadelphia 76ers. After all, if the team makes good on the claim, who wouldn’t want to play in Philly?

But most of all, it acted like a torch to the fans. The smoldering hope of someday burst into a raging inferno of “NOW!”

Joel Embiid knows that the organization sees him as the leader, and he is perfect for that role.