Charles Barkley Trolls Lil Dicky on the 76ers’ NBA Title Hopes

The start of the 2024-25 NBA season saw the Philadelphia 76ers generate excitement by assembling a new “super team.” With the arrival of Paul George and solid role players joining Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey, the team appeared primed for a title push. Former 76ers star Charles Barkley was among those vocal about his optimism for the team’s success.

However, health issues quickly stunted the team’s momentum, as both Embiid and George missed significant time. As a result, the 76ers finished November with a dismal 4-14 record, leaving fans like Barkley doubting the team’s title prospects. Even the rise of rookie Jared McCain couldn’t quite offset the troubles at the start of the season.

The Turnaround and Lil Dicky’s Hopes for the 76ers

The tides started turning in December when Embiid and George finally returned to the lineup. This brought hope to fans, as the 76ers then surged with a 10-5 record. Lil Dicky, a Philadelphia native and a huge fan of the team, made an appearance on Jason Kelce’s “They Call It Late Night” show, where he shared his unwavering faith in his hometown team.

During the show, Lil Dicky proudly announced that he had bet $750 on the 76ers to win the NBA Championship, citing a healthy Embiid and the Celtics’ struggles as key factors in the team’s potential to claim the title. The announcement didn’t go unnoticed by Barkley, who wasted no time trolling the rapper.

“Well, you’re gonna die. And that ain’t gonna be that hard.”
— Charles Barkley

When Lil Dicky emphasized the need for Joel Embiid’s health, and voiced confidence in the Sixers’ playoff chances, Barkley shot back:

“That’s a lot of ‘ifs.’ Damn.”
— Charles Barkley

Barkley’s comment reflected his growing skepticism about the team’s chances. Despite the recent improvements, he’s lost faith in the 76ers’ title hopes, continuing to voice doubts due to their ongoing struggles with injuries.

Barkley’s Reality Check on Availability

On his weekly Inside the NBA show, Barkley didn’t hold back when asked by Ernie Johnson whether the 76ers were capable of beating the East’s best teams in the playoffs:

“100%. Nobody wants to play them. But man, the best ability is availability.”
— Charles Barkley

Barkley emphasized that while a healthy Embiid, George, and Tyrese Maxey would make the 76ers a formidable opponent in the playoffs, the question remains if these key players can stay healthy for an extended period. Without consistent availability, even the most promising roster can’t win a championship.

Shaq’s Concerns About Embiid

Former teammate Shaquille O’Neal also expressed concerns, especially regarding Joel Embiid’s current form. Shaq noted that for the 76ers to truly challenge for an NBA title, Embiid needs to return to the level of play that earned him league MVP two years ago. Without that, he believes the 76ers will struggle to make a significant playoff push.

What’s Next for the 76ers?

With more than just health to contend with, the 76ers still have a long way to go before Barkley or any other skeptic starts believing in their title chances. If the stars can stay on the floor and perform at their best, the 76ers might be able to prove their doubters wrong — but with the season already riddled with setbacks, their window of opportunity is shrinking.