At the start of the 2024-25 NBA season, the Philadelphia 76ers had managed to build their own super team. By bringing in the likes of Paul George and a plethora of good role players to join Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, it excited the likes of franchise legend Charles Barkley.
However, both Embiid and George struggled with health and could not team up for much of the first quarter of the season. The result, the 76ers finished November with a 4-14 record. Those such as Barkley, who were so high on his Sixers, lost faith.
He knew the health issues were too much to overcome even if rookie Jared McCain was playing lights out. Starting December, both veteran superstars started to get healthy and play in games. That helped them turn the tide around and the Sixers have been 10-5 since.
For a true Philadelphia 76ers fan, it gives them hope. Philadelphia native Lil Dicky was on Jason Kelce‘s inaugural They Call It Late Night show. As the retired NFL center introduced Dicky as a die-hard 76ers fan, Charles Barkley, also a guest, said.
Well, you’re gonna die. And that ain’t gonna be that hard.
Charles Barkley said
Hearing this Lil Dicky revealed that he bet $750 on his beloved Philadelphia 76ers to win the NBA title. He clarified that a healthy Joel Embiid along with the Celtics with the way they are struggling now could win it all. To this Barkley said.
That’s a lot of ‘ifs’. Damn.
Charles Barkley said
Charles Barkley was trolling Lil Dicky having hope of the 76ers doing something this year. He has lost hope and has recently made it clear that he does not have faith in the team that drafted him to be competitive this season.
Charles Barkley believes Sixers are hampered by availability
In their weekly show, Inside the NBA, the crew discussed the situation surrounding the Philadelphia 76ers. When host Ernie Johnson asked Charles Barkley if he felt his team was capable of beating the best in the East in the playoffs, he replied.
100%. Nobody wants to play them. But man, the best ability is availability.
Charles Barkley said
The Hall of Famer clarified that if Joel Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey were to make the playoffs, the best teams in the East would sweat it out. They would not want to face them knowing what they will face. However, the caveat is that the Sixers have to be healthy.
“They’re still not ready […] Not even close” 👀
Shaq & the crew discuss the 76ers being 10-4 in their last 14 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/fwh6soIXK7
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) January 3, 2025
Shaquille O’Neal later added that he did not think Embiid was playing to his best. If they are to fight for an NBA title, the center has to revert to what made him league MVP two years ago. Else, he feels they will struggle.
Stay Updated!
Join our newsletter to receive exclusive updates and curated insights directly to your inbox.
