The Philadelphia 76ers have been presupposed to be a championship contender after signing Paul George to a four-year max contract in free company. George joined 2023 NBA MVP Joel Embiid and rising star Tyrese Maxey for a tailored ‘large three’ pairing that felt destined to be a reliable contender within the Japanese Convention.
One month into the season, the 76ers are the worst crew within the NBA. Nearly every thing that may go improper has gone improper, and now Philly’s stars are beginning to blame one another.
The Sixers fell to 2-11 on the season after dropping to the Miami Warmth on Monday night time. Embiid performed in his simply his third sport of the season getting back from a mysterious knee harm, however as soon as once more regarded extraordinarily restricted in his play. George had one other off sport in what’s been a disappointing begin, and Maxey stays out with a hamstring harm.
After the sport, the Sixers held a crew assembly. It included Maxey calling out Embiid for being late to crew actions. ESPN insider Shams Charania has the main points:
Maxey challenged Embiid to be on time to crew actions, calling out the 2022-23 league MVP about being late “for every thing” and the way it impacts the locker room, from different gamers to the teaching employees, sources briefed on the assembly informed ESPN.
Charania reviews that Embiid “was not seen by most teammates and coaches all through the day earlier than showing for warmups.” Right here was Embiid’s response to being referred to as out by Maxey:
Embiid accepted the messages despatched within the assembly, sources stated, however he acknowledged that he’s typically confused about what the 76ers are trying to execute on the court docket.
Embiid, George, and Maxey haven’t performed in a sport collectively this 12 months. Embiid regarded gradual and tentative in opposition to the Warmth, ending with 11 factors in 31 minutes. The Sixers are tied for the fewest wins within the NBA with the Washington Wizards proper now, however their saving grace is that the Japanese Convention is so dangerous that they nonetheless have loads of time to make up floor.
Right here’s how followers reacted to the report concerning the Embiid:
10 years within the league, making $50 million, you need to be capable to be counted on to be on time and in form
Glad Tyrese referred to as him out.
— Mike O’Connor (@MOConnor_NBA) November 19, 2024
Joel’s gotta really feel some sense of possession with this complete factor. The stakes are huge right here not solely him however for the crew generally. You’re the face of the franchise and your crew is 2-11, bordering on losing a season the place you had title aspirations.
In a second like this…
— Mike O’Connor (@MOConnor_NBA) November 19, 2024
Actually disappointing that professionalism continues to be a problem for Joel Embiid after a decade with the #sixers.
— Michael Ok-B (@therealmikekb) November 19, 2024
The wheels are coming off shortly for the Sixers. There’s nonetheless time left to proper the ship, however their margin for error is shrinking by the day. If Embiid doesn’t get wholesome and return to his MVP degree quickly, Philly’s season will likely be toast.
