The Philadelphia 76ers are off to a rough start this season, with a disappointing 2-11 record that has them sitting at the bottom of the Eastern Conference. The team’s struggles are compounded by the fact that their star trio—Joel Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey—has yet to play together this season. In light of these issues, the Sixers held a team meeting following their fourth consecutive loss, this time to the Miami Heat on Monday.

The meeting, described as a much-needed heart-to-heart, featured candid discussions among players and coaches. Veteran guard Kyle Lowry led the charge in addressing the team’s concerns. According to an ESPN report, one of the standout moments came from rising star Tyrese Maxey, who stepped up as a leader and held All-Star center Joel Embiid accountable. Maxey reportedly called out Embiid for being habitually late “for everything,” as Shams Charania stated, “He challenged Joel Embiid, the face of the franchise, the former league MVP, that we need you to be on time for team activities.” Emphasizing how it affected not just the players but the entire organization.

This pointed exchange highlights the challenges facing the 76ers as they attempt to right the ship and turn their season around.

Despite Tyrese Maxey’s close friendship with Joel Embiid since his arrival in Philadelphia in 2020, the young guard didn’t shy away from addressing the “elephant in the room” during the Sixers’ team meeting as Charania stated, “Tyrese loves Joel but he delivered a message that I think a lot of people saw coming,” Putting the team’s cause above personal bonds, Maxey called out Embiid’s recurring tardiness and its ripple effects on the organization.

The meeting also turned into a broader critique of the team’s dynamics, with players voicing concerns about head coach Nick Nurse’s approach. They urged Nurse to adopt a more detailed and purposeful coaching style, demanding clarity and intensity to address their on-court struggles. This feedback came in light of a curious pre-game incident before the Heat matchup when Embiid, listed as questionable due to illness, was absent from team activities all day before showing up directly for warmups.

The 76ers’ abysmal start to the season amid injury concerns

The Philadelphia 76ers this season resemble a car stuck at the starting line, plagued by self-inflicted problems. What once looked like a promising campaign has turned into a nightmare, with underwhelming performances leading to a team meeting just 13 games into the season—a sign of deeper issues.

During the offseason, Daryl Morey, the President of Basketball Operations, orchestrated a major roster overhaul, bringing in high-profile players like Paul George, Caleb Martin, and Andre Drummond. The team committed to a “big three” model featuring Maxey, Embiid, and George. However, this approach not only demands star-level performances but also requires sufficient depth, something the Sixers’ supporting cast has failed to provide.

Role players like Kelly Oubre Jr. and Kyle Lowry have struggled to step up, while Drummond is enduring the worst statistical season of his career. Meanwhile, the Big 3 have yet to find chemistry on the court, increasing the pressure on each individual. Maxey, before his hamstring injury, dealt with efficiency issues, while George has faced criticism for turnovers during his limited appearances. As for Embiid, despite his MVP status, he hasn’t looked convincing, with the team going 0-3 since his return.

Although the Sixers undoubtedly have talent, their performances raise serious questions. Only time will reveal the impact of their recent meeting, as they now prepare to face the Grizzlies in Memphis.