Joel Embiid is facing intense scrutiny. Once celebrated purely for his immense talent, is now questioned for his professionalism—or lack thereof—as criticism mounts both inside the 76ers organization and across the league. How tables have turned right? Though his skill on the court is indisputable, the questions is about his dedication, consistency, and work ethic continue to cloud his reputation, especially as the 76ers struggle to find their footing this season.

With this, it looks like Embiid’s struggles continue to mount, both physically and professionally. His latest setback—a swollen left knee sustained in a game against the Clippers—has reignited concerns about his availability and impact. The star center, who has only played three games this season without a single win, is now back on the injury report. This knee injury goes back to January 30th in a matchup against the Golden State Warriors, after which he has appeared in other games, including the 2024 Paris Olympics. All this recurrence only adds to frustrations surrounding his role on the team.

But it’s not just his physical health that’s under scrutiny. Sam Amick, a veteran NBA journalist for The Athletic, recently shared his thoughts on the growing criticisms of Embiid’s professionalism. “I knew that his professionalism had been questioned consistently around the league,” he admitted, noting that it wasn’t a new issue. Yet, the situation seemed to take a turn after a recent media leak, which exposed deeper concerns. According to Amick, the narrative shifted abruptly, with many around the league now claiming that the media had been “way too soft” on the hooper. “This has been going on forever,” Amick said, referencing how long the concerns had been simmering beneath the surface.

For those inside the organization, Embiid’s history of not always being the “first guy to the gym” has raised red flags. Though his on-court performances remain elite, his commitment behind the scenes has often been questioned. Amick himself expressed some uncertainty about how much of the criticism was warranted versus piling on after the story broke. However, the concern is real, and the questions about his mentality and dedication persist. The 76ers are now caught in a delicate situation, balancing Embiid’s immense talent with the growing concerns about his professionalism and commitment to the team.

As Philly’s face a crucial stretch without their cornerstone, and with tensions rising around Embiid’s reputation, one must wonder: Will the 76ers continue to cover for their star, or will the cracks in his professionalism begin to show more clearly as the season progresses? However, due to all his problems here are some things Philly’s had to go through.

Massive contract extension and injuries: What 76ers signed up for and what’s happening.

“Joel has cemented himself as one of the greatest Sixers of all time and is well on his way to being one of the best players to ever play the game. We’re ecstatic that this extension keeps him and his family in Philadelphia for years to come.” This is what Josh Harris said after Embiid’s contract extension. The 76ers’ decision to extend Joel Embiid’s contract with a max deal worth $192.9 million, potentially rising to $299.55 million, was a bold move, cementing him as the cornerstone of the franchise for the foreseeable future. The hooper himself said, “Philadelphia is home,” reflecting his commitment to the city. But, as the team struggles through a dismal start to the season with just three wins and thirteen losses, the weight of that massive contract extension is beginning to feel heavy, especially with Embiid’s continued injury concerns.

His left knee injury has kept him out of action for multiple games. The team initially labeled it as “left knee management,” but the NBA fined the team $100,000 for providing “inconsistent” statements regarding his health. This controversy has added to the growing uncertainty surrounding Embiid’s reliability. The team, already off to a rocky start, has been missing their star center, and the absence of Embiid continues to expose the team’s lack of depth and inconsistent performance.

However, the situation is not about losing always. The hooper’s extended absence, coupled with the fine, brings the 76ers’ management under further scrutiny. As the team tries to right the ship, one question lingers: Can they find success with Embiid at the helm, or will his ongoing health issues and the growing concerns about his professionalism derail their championship aspirations?