Joel Embiid and the 2019 Campaign

Joel Embiid crying after the losing effort of game 7 against Toronto on 5/12/19

The picture to the left shows Joel Embiid, forward for the Philadelphia 76ers, crying moments after their last second loss in game 7 of the conference semi-finals against the Toronto Raptors. Embiid was greatly admired by fans and media alike for his show of emotion and passion, showing that "The Process" left it all on the court.

I have a different take, of course I do. My take is that if Embiid and his teammates (Young Master Simmons I'm talking to you here) had put forth the passionate effort throughout the series, and game three is a great example-- Embiid dominated that game like nobody's business-- there would have been no tears on the sidelines after the loss in game seven. There  might have been a few tears of joy over the victory in one of the hardest fought games I've seen in a long time. And anticipation of moving on to the conference finals against the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Process has been delayed, yet another year. Remember the Sixers from the seventies, with their, "We owe you one!" campaign? This team is starting to ring some of those bells, and that's not good, especially after tanking several seasons to get to the 50+ win team that they are now.

Meantime, Kawhi Leonard could be moving on from the Raptors after this season; he's only on a one year rental after all. I'm thinking Elton Brand needs to start working those phones as soon as the league allows...

Series Superstar Kawhi Leonard of the Toronto Raptors

© Ray Cattie