76ers' Joel Embiid Jokes He'd Rather Retire than Join Tyrese Haliburton, Pacers

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid joked with Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton that he'd rather retire than join his team.

The interaction was captured as part of Netflix's Court of Gold documentary series, which showcase Team USA, Canada, Serbia and France's runs during last year's Summer Olympics men's basketball tournament (h/t @BASKETBALLonX).

“You gonna come to Indy?” Haliburton asked Embiid as the two were sitting courtside during a Team USA practice.

“I might wanna come to Indy. Sike! Never mind—I’d rather retire,” Embiid replied.

Embiid, Haliburton and Team USA ended up winning Olympic gold after an undefeated summer.

Since then, it's been a rough season for the 2022-23 NBA MVP and the 76ers, to the point where he'd be joining a much better team in a hypothetical scenario where he did play for the Pacers.

That of course isn't happening, but in the meantime, Embiid is scuffling through a tough year.

Not only has he dealt with numerous left knee issues that might lead to another surgery, but he's also played in just 17 games for the 76ers, averaging 24.9 points and 8.5 rebounds per game. It's also been a tough year for the Sixers, who currently sit 11th in the Eastern Conference at 20-34.

Plenty of questions loom for Philadelphia, who hoped to contend for a championship this year by adding Paul George and is now in danger of missing the playoffs. The 76ers will exit the All-Star break with a tough game at home Thursday against the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics.