The Sixers clinched the playoffs on Wednesday night in a season where the franchise has serious championship aspirations. The club didn’t get here overnight; some would say it was a Process.
One major component of the team-building process is the draft, something that the Philly faithful know all so well. The NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles are hoping to take similar strides and Joel Embiid spoke with FortyEightMinutes and other media members about the football team down the street.
“Last year was tough, so I’m sure they got a plan,” Embiid said of the Philadelphia Eagles. “We were at that stage a couple of years ago, so I know how it goes but I hope they made the best decision for the franchise.
“I guess take the best player available just like we did every single time. And it worked out, so I’m sure it’s going to work out for them.”
The Sixers took the best player available in 2014 draft, selecting Embiid with the No. 3 overall pick. Embiid was seen as the best player in that draft for much of the 2013-14 collegiate season, though back and knee injuries leading up to the NCAA tournament that carried on through the pre-draft process caused some teams to pass on him for “safer” options (Cleveland selected Embiid’s teammate Andrew Wiggins No. 1 and shortly thereafter traded him to Minnesota in the Kevin Love deal; Milwaukee took Duke’s Jabari Parker at No. 2).
While Embiid didn’t play for two straight seasons because of injuries, he eventually showcased his ability and now, after four straight All-Star seasons, he’s a legit MVP and the leader of a team that has a real chance to win a championship. The 27-year-old center would like to see all the teams in Philadelphia reach great heights as well.
“I want the whole city of Philadelphia to succeed,” Embiid explained. “I want the Sixers to win, I want the Eagles to win, I want the Phillies to win, I want the Union to win, I want the Flyers to win.”
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