As one of the most prominent agents in the NBA, Rich Paul usually makes rounds during the offseason. That has not been the case this season, though, as he had already ignited the fire a few times when it comes to several talking points around the league. Having said that, he seems to have a knack for saying the right things about the Philadelphia 76ers.
That’s what it seems like, at least. In a recent episode of the Game Over podcast starring Paul himself and Max Kellerman, the Klutch Sports founder said that he told Tyrese Maxey, who is represented by his agency, that the 76ers are that team in the East which no one wants to face in the first round of the playoffs.
Anyone who calls bluff? Well, you need to get your head checked. Paul has been around some of the biggest names in the NBA, so he definitely knows his stuff when it comes to elite talent. The 76ers have a few of those guys, so it is aptly within reason that they are getting this kind of character sketch from a prominent figure despite their winning, yet unremarkable campaign thus far.
Rich Paul hints at teams wanting to avoid the 76ers in the first round of the playoffs
The 76ers are no longer in play for homecourt advantage in the first round of the playoffs, so right from the get go, they will be deemed as the underdogs in their foremost series. But even a quick glance at what this team packs on their roster will be enough to make their higher-seeded opponents sweat, even by just a tad.
On paper, Philly has one of the most loaded lineups in basketball. As long as the basketball gods decide not to screw them up with another injury-related setback, they should be coming into the postseason fully healthy, with all of their stars likewise ready to go.
Joel Embiid is close to the peak version of him whenever he has played. Tyrese Maxey has flat-out emerged as one of the best players in the league this season. Paul George is starting to show more assertiveness as of late and has ample playoff experience. VJ Edgecombe is a wildcard whom teams have to game-plan against, lest the run the risk of falling victim to an easy 30-piece in any game.
In account of those factors, Rich Paul was only being veritable in his assessment. Sure, the 76ers might not be an inner-circle contender, but they are definitely going to be a pain to play against, especially in the first round.