Celtics' Back-to-Back Chances and Embiid's Quest for Finals Success

Chris Broussard and Ephraim Salaam delve into the NBA's Eastern Conference, discussing which teams pose the greatest threat to the Celtics' bid for back-to-back championships. Can Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers finally reach the finals? Will Giannis pursue another ring, or could this be the year the Knicks make New York proud?

Chris Broussard: “I feel like Joel Embiid should be the most motivated guy in the league next year. And I'm not saying other players won’t be motivated, but my point is this: all of the top players from this little mini era—Giannis has got one, the Celtics have gotten one, Jokić has got one, and Luka at least has gotten there. Embiid hasn’t even gotten to a Conference Finals! He’s the one guy in this era that we think of as ultra-elite that hasn’t even come close. If you can tell me that he’s going to be as close to 100% when the playoffs start, I don't care who they get; if they have him and (Tyrese) Maxey, they are a contender... He is a great jump shooter, and we don't want him to not shoot his J, but when it's time, when you watch Jokić, he will take it inside, and that's what Joel needs to start doing consistently.”

Ephraim Salaam: “For Philadelphia, it depends on how serious Joel Embiid is going to take being a dominant presence in the PAINT. We don’t need you at the three-point line. Who's rebounding if my center is swinging the ball? If he legitimately wants to dominate inside and out, then they have a shot, depending on that piece!”