Tracy McGrady Predicts 76ers Finals Run If Embiid Stays Healthy

**Tracy McGrady** told listeners on 12 Jul 2026 that the Philadelphia 76ers will make the NBA Finals this season, but only if star center Joel Embiid stays healthy.

During the *Cousins with Vince Carter & Tracy McGrady* podcast, the Hall of Famer emphasized that the 76ers’ championship odds hinge on Embiid’s availability. He noted that Tyrese Maxey and Jaden Brown will "do their thing," while veteran VJ Edgecombe adds depth. McGrady summed it up: “If he’s healthy, I look at them being in the finals. I don’t care what nobody say.”

McGrady’s perspective carries weight because he spent 16 seasons across seven NBA teams and led the league in scoring twice. Although he never won a title, his experience includes nine playoff appearances and a brief stint with the San Antonio Spurs in the 2013 Finals. That background gives him a nuanced view of what a healthy star can do for a roster built around elite scorers.

Philadelphia’s core now features Embiid, Maxey, and Brown, all capable of generating high‑percentage offense. Defensively, the trio can rank among the league’s best when paired with Edgecombe’s versatility. The last season Embiid played more than 40 games was 2023, so his health remains the biggest variable. McGrady’s comment underscores the franchise’s reliance on the "big fella" to unlock their full potential.

If Embiid avoids injury, the 76ers could clinch a top seed by mid‑season and lock in a favorable playoff path. Conversely, any setback to Embiid would likely force the team to lean on Maxey and Brown, testing their ability to carry the load alone. McGrady’s forecast suggests a binary outcome: health equals finals, illness equals missed opportunity.

Even without a championship, McGrady’s Hall of Fame career gives him credibility when assessing playoff dynamics. His own playoff résumé-nine teams, a single Finals appearance, and limited minutes in that run-shows he knows the fine line between talent and timing. By highlighting Embiid’s health, he mirrors his own experience of how a single factor can define a season.

For 76ers supporters, the message is clear: keep an eye on Embiid’s injury report. Every game he suits up strengthens the case for a deep postseason run. McGrady’s endorsement adds a veteran’s stamp of approval, turning a hopeful narrative into a concrete possibility for Philadelphia’s championship aspirations.