After a dismal first half against the Detroit Pistons on Friday night, ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins urged the Philadelphia 76ers to part ways with stars Joel Embiid and Paul George. The 76ers were completely uncompetitive in the first two quarters, trailing 78-49, which marked the highest score the Pistons have amassed in a first half since 1982. During the halftime show, Perkins stated his belief that Embiid and George should not be part of Philadelphia’s future plans.
Kendrick Perkins on Joel Embiid and Paul George:
“Trade them both.”
“We’ve been talking about where Kevin Durant is gonna go this offseason with the Phoenix Suns. Same with the Philadelphia 76ers. Joel Embiid and Paul George are both in Tyrese Maxey’s way.” pic.twitter.com/J6bcgSkXGG
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 8, 2025
When reminded that the NBA Trade Deadline had just passed, Perkins clarified that he was referring to the offseason: “We’ve been discussing Kevin Durant’s potential destinations this offseason, just like with the Philadelphia 76ers. Joel Embiid and Paul George are obstacles for Tyrese Maxey. At the end of the day, Embiid has developed some bad habits that are becoming increasingly evident, especially when he’s playing through injuries. It shows in his effort, and that effort was lacking tonight. This is the playoffs for the Philadelphia 76ers.”
Perkins’ co-hosts, Brian Windhorst and Udonis Haslem, echoed similar sentiments. Windhorst remarked, “That’s one of the worst halves of basketball I’ve ever seen Joel Embiid play,” while Haslem expressed, “I can’t trust the process anymore. You’ve been out, and every single game is playoff intensity. You’re 10 games under .500 trying to push for the playoffs. You have your big three back now, and you were 1-for-9 with four rebounds and a -25 rating.”
That followed a first half where the Pistons scored 78 points and led the 76ers 78-49.
Brian Windhorst: “It’s one of the worst halves of basketball I’ve ever seen Joel Embiid play.”
Udonis Haslem: “I can’t trust the process anymore.” pic.twitter.com/5e4dWnOIVG
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) February 8, 2025
This is not a personal attack on Joel Embiid; rather, it stems from a desire to see him become a champion. Expectations are high, and what was displayed tonight is simply unacceptable for a leader. This is not the way to guide your team.
