Former NBA all-star Gilbert Arenas discussed the state of the 76ers amid the James Harden drama recently, along with where the franchise is headed under new coach Nick Nurse.
While the focus has been pointed at Harden, Arenas believes that Joel Embiid isn’t blameless in Philadelphia’s struggles to make it to the Eastern Conference Finals and beyond.
“The problem with him is going to always be [that] he does enough individually for us not to look at him,” Arenas said on his podcast Gil’s Arena. “…Let me take Greek’s [Giannis Antetokounmpo] energy, give it to Embiid. What the f–k does he average? Oh, 40? Then what the f–k are you happy with? 32? Do more. Why the f–k are you happy with 32? If I give him someone else’s energy, that he doesn’t have and say, ‘Alright, what would he be?’ Oh! [He] would average 40 and this! That’s what I’m saying. He needs the average to get this team to another level.”
Arenas clearly believes there’s another level for Embiid to get to, as he has emerged as a generational-type talent at center for Philadelphia. Embiid captured his first league MVP last season, averaging 33.1 points and 10.2 rebounds on 54.8% shooting from the floor.
Despite his personal success, Philadelphia lost in seven games to the Celtics in the Eastern Conference semifinals, which led to the dismissal of coach Doc Rivers and a non-directly related event, the trade request from Harden.
