ESPN blatantly encouraged Joel Embiid to recruit Paul George during an awkward interview

Joel Embiid and Paul George…future teammates in Philadelphia?

Joel Embiid was an impromptu TV panelist before Game 4 of the 2024 NBA Finals and his segment may have raised some eyebrows.

During his appearance on ABC’s NBA Countdown, the 2023 NBA MVP joined a panel that included L.A. Clippers star Paul George as well as Stephen A. Smith, Michael Wilbon, Malika Andrews and Kendrick Perkins.

Embiid spoke about the upcoming game between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks. Embiid’s 76ers were eliminated before they had a chance to play against Boston in the postseason.

While he called them a superteam, he made it clear that he doesn’t think this is the start of a dynasty because of tighter restrictions with the new collective bargaining agreement.

Embiid said it “hurts him a lot” to see the Celtics have a chance to play for a title, he said that hopefully the 76ers can find some pieces this offseason so it is him with a chance to win the Larry O’Brien Trophy next season.

Shortly after that, Wilbon agreed that perhaps one more piece is exactly what Philadelphia will need.

Kendrick Perkins didn’t hold any punches, though, and suggested that piece is sitting next to him: Paul George, who has a player option in his contract and could become an unrestricted free agent this offseason.

Philadelphia could create the cap space to sign George if the wing does not agree to a long-term extension with the Clippers.

But seeing it spelled out so plainly on national TV before the NBA Finals was quite a sight.

NBA fans reacted to the segment