Julius Erving not sold on Nets or Lakers buying championships, picks 76ers to upset them both
The Doctor has given his prediction on the NBA season and what he expects to happen during the 2021 NBA Playoffs. Julius Erving compared the Brooklyn Nets and the Los Angeles Lakers to the New York Yankees. He says that both teams are doing their best to “buy a championship” this season. Even with those moves, however, Erving believes that the Philadelphia 76ers will upset them in the playoffs.
On Danny Green’s podcast, Erving stated the following:
“It’s reminiscent of how the Yankees used to do it all the time, they load up, they call it buying a championship.” The Lakers are no stranger to this either. Erving continued by saying “They’re getting all these pieces..they don’t know at the end of the season what it’s going to look like or what it’s going to feel like, but they’re going to be formidable. You’ve got a team with six former All-Stars, and three [All-NBA] guys who have been there to succeed inthe playoffs.”
For Erving, he isn’t buying anything. His money is on the Philadelphia 76ers this season.
“First of all, we have an advantage coaching-wise based on experience with Doc [Rivers], in terms of championship experience that you have, that Dwight [Howard] has. The ambition of Ben [Simmons] and Joel [Embiid], these guys are hungry now. They’ve been a part of what they call ‘The Process’ for several years, and its time for The Process to bear from fruit.”
Assuming that you’re still reading and haven’t ran through a wall, Erving continued by saying “I’m betting my money on Philly. Wins mean confidence. It’s not cool to be overconfident, but it’s very cool to be confident. So you need to maintain that confidence and get out there and perform, that’s the way I see it.”
The Lakers acquired Andre Drummond in the buyout market this season. The Nets traded for James Harden, and signed LaMarcus Aldridge and Blake Griffin after their contracts were bought out. Both teams are loaded with star talent, but Erving, much like myself, believe the Sixers have what it takes to win at the highest level.
The Sixers are currently 36-17 and tied with the Brooklyn Nets atop of the Eastern Conference standings. They will be back in action tomorrow night against the Dallas Mavericks.
Mandatory Credit: USA TODAY
