Dejected Joel Embiid makes bold 76ers remark after sixth second-round NBA playoffs exit

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Joel Embiid wore a dejected look on his face while seeing the New York Knicks sweep his Philadelphia 76ers inside Xfinity Mobile Arena. He now faces a summer after another reminder that his team isn't just good enough to win a championship.

Under Embiid, this was Philadelphia's sixth second-round exit in nine playoffs. The 2023 NBA MVP returned in Game 4 of the first-round series against the Boston Celtics after an emergency appendectomy three weeks before. He spearheaded three back-to-back wins to set up the Knicks' date in the second round. But, as it turned out, they were ambushed by the Jalen Brunson & Co.

After another playoff disappointment, Embiid had a clear reason to say the following:

"Ownership, front office, players, coaches. Everybody has just got to get better."

While Embiid may have said this, the 76ers might not have a lot of options this summer to turn around for the better.

MORE: Joel Embiid stays in wrong side of NBA Playoffs history after Knicks sweep 76ers

Joel Embiid and Paul George's contracts leave the 76ers short-handed

Joel Embiid will enter his 13th year in the NBA next season, and his battle-hardened body may no longer be able to withstand the toll of 65+ regular-season games and deep playoff stretches. Apart from one, injuries have remained a constant point of concern for Embiid and the 76ers every year.

Even if the 76ers still want to build a championship-contending roster, they have no option but to rely on their big assets to see them through. A lot of their money is tied to Embiid and Paul George, who are set to make over $200 million dent in the franchise's books over the next two seasons.

Now, as we look back on the president of basketball operations Daryl Morey's decision to sign Embiid to an extension and bring ageing George aboard two offseasons ago, the franchise has no other option but to face the test of time.