Before Joel Embiid was cleared to return to the court for the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round, 94WIP’s Joe Giglio made an unpopular statement for thousands of listeners to hear.
The notable sports talk radio host claimed that he didn’t want to see Embiid play at all during the 2026 NBA Playoffs. It wasn’t about wanting Embiid to rest up. It was due to the fact that he wanted to see Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edecombe play without Embiid on the court.
“I don’t need to see Joel Embiid come back in this series,” said Giglio.
“I don’t need to see it. I’m good! I want to watch Edgecombe and Maxey. Wherever it goes, it goes. If it goes out in five, it goes out in five. If it goes out in six, it goes out in six. I want to see these two lead the way. I want to see them having the runway to be the two leading the way. I don’t need Embiid back in this series, even if he’s pushing to play or getting close to play, I’m good, big fella. I just want to roll with the kids. I don’t need it.”
Joel Embiid Returned
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – MARCH 25: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers warms up prior to the game against the Chicago Bulls at Xfinity Mobile Arena on March 25, 2026 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
The Sixers cleared Embiid to return for Game 4 against the Celtics. While his presence didn’t make much of a difference in that game, the 76ers rallied back from a 1-3 deficit and defeated the No. 2 seed in the Celtics.
Before the Sixers played in Game 6, Giglio wondered if he owed Embiid an apology. The star center led the Sixers to an unlikely Game 5 win on the road in comeback fashion.
“He’s still a gifted scorer–he’ll be able to put the ball in the basket until his career is over–he’s great at that. Giglio said. “He’s among the most efficient scorers and prolific scorers ever. I mean, that’s who he is. I’m not surprised he could score. Apology? Feels a little strong. Maybe get this to a Game 7 and then [I’ll apologize].”
Embiid and the Sixers forced Game 7–then they defeated the Celtics on the road for the third time in the series and sent them packing out of the playoffs for good.
It’s Apology Time
GettyPHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA – OCTOBER 19: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers speaks to media at the Seventy Sixers Practice Facility on October 19, 2021 in Camden, New Jersey. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Well, it happened. After Embiid helped the Sixers rally from a 1-3 deficit, it was only right that Giglio apologized for his take.
“I am sorry,” the host said hours before Game 1 between the 76ers and the New York Knicks.
“Obviously, [your return] made an incredible difference. That was the best game of Joel Embiid’s career on Saturday night. You could tell me 70 points here, 50 points there, that’s great. That was Game 7 on the road in Boston. I thought he played in complete control the entire time.”
Before Saturday’s action, Embiid didn’t have a Game 7 victory to his name. The Sixers hadn’t defeated the Celtics in the postseason since the 1980s. The trends are now broken as the 76ers look forward to the Knicks series.
“I’m sorry, you still have way more left in the tank than I gave you credit for,” the host concluded.
The Sixers and the Knicks are slated for Game 1 on Monday night at 8 P ET.