Sep 13, 2019; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia 76ers great Charles Barkley speaks at the podium during the unveiling of a statue honoring him in a ceremony at the Philadelphia 76ers Training Complex. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

NBA Legend Charles Barkley Makes Brutally Honest Philadelphia 76ers Statement

Originally posted on Fastbreak on SI | By Ben Stinar | Last updated Feb 12, 2025 5:37 PM ET

The Philadelphia 76ers have been one of the biggest disappointments in the NBA during the 2024-25 NBA season.

With a roster that features Joel Embiid, Paul George an Tyrese Maxey, they had been expected to a contender.

Recently, Basketball Hall of Famer (and former 76ers All-Star) Charles Barkley spoke honestly about his former team (and Joel Embiid).

Barkley (via 97.5 The Fanatic): "The 76ers are not close to winning a championship... He hasn't even started his extension yet. That's the thing that could ruin the 76ers franchise for the next decade. That decision could reuin their franchsie for the next decade."

Embiid is averaging 24.9 points, 8.5 rebounds, 4.5 assists and 1.0 blocks per contest while shooting 45.4% from the field and 33.3% from the three-point range.

That said, the 2023 MVP has only appeared in 17 games.

He has been ruled out for Wednesday's game against the Brooklyn Nets.

Via Tommy Beer: "Joel Embiid's annual salary thru 2029:

2024-25: $51.4 million
2025-26: $55.2 million
2026-27: $59.5 million
2027-28: $64.3 million
2028-29: $69.0 million"

Joel Embiid's annual salary thru 2029:

2024-25: $51.4 million
2025-26: $55.2 million
2026-27: $59.5 million
2027-28: $64.3 million
2028-29: $69.0 million
— Tommy Beer (@TommyBeer) January 17, 2025

Right now, the 76ers are the 11th seed in the Eastern Conference with a 20-33 record in 53 games.

They are in the middle of a four-game losing streak.

Following the Nets, the 76ers will play their next game on February 20 when they host the Boston Celtics.

Via Tommy Beer: "Joel Embiid and Paul George combined annual salary thru 2028:

2024-25: $100.6 million
2025-26: $106.9 million
2026-27: $113.7 million
2027-28: $120.9 million"

Joel Embiid and Paul George combined annual salary thru 2028:

2024-25: $100.6 million
2025-26: $106.9 million
2026-27: $113.7 million
2027-28: $120.9 million
— Tommy Beer (@TommyBeer) January 18, 2025