Jeff Teague believes Paul George and Joel Embiid aren’t going to deliver on the high hopes that Philadelphia 76ers fans have for them.
The Philadelphia 76ers are looking to redeem their terrible performance from last season. And to do so, they’re heavily relying on Paul George and Joel Embiid.
The pairing of Embiid and George have their problems, specifically with their ability to keep themselves healthy.
But as the 76ers plan to keep Embiid and George’s $400 million partnership going, they will have no choice but to trust the pair can get them where they need to.
And given that both Embiid and George have struggled with injuries this offseason, Jeff Teague isn’t confident in their chances to lead the team.
Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty ImagesJeff Teague says Paul George is done, and Joel Embiid can’t lead the Philadelphia 76ers
Jeff Teague spoke on his podcast about the Philadelphia 76ers’ chances to compete next season. The former NBA champion doesn’t expect them to make it past the play-in tournament.
He explained that Paul George’s injury issues and age have caught up to him. The same goes for Joel Embiid, who will continue to miss games with injuries.
“Play-in man. Paul George is cooked, Paul George is cooked. PG is cooked bro… he’s one of the coldest players I have ever seen play basketball…
“He was a third option last year, bro… There’s a great chance he’s going to be hurt this year. Which is for real, cause how often is this —– not hurt?
“They’re going to be at full strength for the first game of the season, in game two, they’re going to be out…. Come on, y’all, they are done!
“Joel Embiid isn’t going to return in the first game of the season. But when that first game he returns, he’s going to have 20 in the first game and sit out the next two.
“And then the next one he’ll go for 40, and then he’s going to be done.”
Philadelphia 76ers will rely more on their younger stars next season
The Philadelphia 76ers understand that their superstars, for as talented as they are, have their respective injury issues and aren’t going to be available for large stretches.
Instead, it’s their young stars who are going to be their most important players. Expect Jared McCain and Tyrese Maxey to be their ironmen next season.
Furthermore, VJ Edgecombe will be the 76ers’ most exciting star next season, as the Bahamian wing is one of the most sought-after rookies this season.
If their young stars all play to their potential, the 76ers might be alright in the Eastern Conference, as their stars pitch in with a few contributions here and there.