There is turmoil within the Philadelphia 76ers or maybe it’s the advent of refueled dedication. After losing to the Miami Heat, a long team meeting led to some confrontations. According to reports, Tyrese Maxey called out Joel Embiid for his tardiness, sparking some tension. They had just blown a 19-point lead and to the blossoming guard, he wanted to reiterate a simple message. “I felt the need to do that because I wanted to share that we are better than what we have shown on the floor,” he said. But with Embiid out of action, does it mean the 76ers just might decide to part ways with him in the future?
Much of that talk has put Embiid, an MVP candidate over the last three years, under the microscope. He is only averaging 14.7 points, shooting career-worsts, and has only participated in three games. Furthermore, as Maxey pointed out, his demeanor, particularly arriving late has had an adverse effect on the entire team.
This was supposed to be the year that the 76ers look like contenders with Paul George added. But even though health has affected them, a 2-11 record doesn’t justify their capabilities given the hoard of talent on the roster. The head of it though is Embiid. In his tenure, they haven’t even seen a Conference Finals. Is this a signal that The Process is over?
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“Nah I don’t think so. I think that’s absolutely crazy to think about that. I mean Joel Embiid is arguably depending on who you talk to the best center in the league. Him and Jokic out there,” former NBA champion Rip Hamilton claims.
Returning from a knee injury, the Sixers organization is hopeful that Embiid will gradually begin to resume his playing levels. However, Hamilton does feel Philadelphia have a problem when it comes to those around him.
“They brought in some veterans. I actually think they brought in too many vets, especially knowing that when you look at their roster with Joel Embiid and Paul George and all that. Guys like that are going to miss games so maybe you want to add more young talent to your roster. So maybe you to go question Daryl Morey’s decision-making of bringing some guys in,” the Pistons legend said.
Still, the veterans do need to show up and show out which can still turn the tides around for the Philly team.
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Is Joel Embiid's leadership the missing piece, or is he holding the 76ers back?
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Joel Embiid needs to learn how to stay healthy
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Hamilton, rightfully considering Embiid as one of the most elite centers of this age, feels “If Joel Embiid number one can get healthy and get his mind back into basketball, I think this Sixers team can still be a contender when this season ends.” However, right by his side was Avery Johnson, a decorated NBA veteran.
Having been on a championship team, Johnson has seen the degree of work a ‘superstar’ puts in. Most times, some freak injuries are accidents. But considering the regularity with which The Process sustains ailments, he feels it’s time for him to not only take accountability but also be in better condition.
“Our superstar players were available. Our superstar players were not talking about not playing on a back-to-back game. Those guys were in superior condition. I don’t see that with Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers. And now you have a young player in Tyrese Maxey really going at Joel Embiid in the team player’s only meeting saying ‘Hey, what’s going on? We need a better attitude’.” Johnson said on CBS Sports.
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A part of these concerns must fall into Embiid’s hands. Several superstars have dealt with injury issues. Ankle ailments threatened Stephen Curry’s career, Kevin Durant suffered an ACL tear, and Embiid’s teammate Paul George broke his tibia. Still, they have managed to remain injury-free for the most part of their careers since.
The onus to increase his durability falls solely upon Joel Embiid and the 76ers medical staff. Avoiding games can’t be the solution, especially now that they are tied for the worst record in the league. Do you think the Philadelphia 76ers will recover? Let us know your views in the comments below.
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Is Joel Embiid's leadership the missing piece, or is he holding the 76ers back?