The Philadelphia 76ers’ start to the season has not gone as planned. They started the year 2-11 and most recently lost to the Miami Heat 106-89 on Monday after having a 19-point lead in the first half. The problems have continued to mount for the Sixers.
First, Paul George missed the first six games with a knee injury. Then, Joel Embiid was out for the first 10 games due to knee issues. Embiid was suspended three games for an altercation with a journalist. Right before Embiid was eligible to make his season debut, Sixers star PG Tyrese Maxey suffered a hamstring injury.
On Tuesday afternoon, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Sixers veteran PG Kyle Lowry called for a team meeting after the loss against the Heat. Charania reported that Maxey called out Embiid for his tardiness lately to team activities. In the meeting, players on the team expressed to Head Coach Nick Nurse that they wanted to be coached harder. Coaches also expressed to players that they need to pay better attention to detail.
“Embiid accepted the messages sent in the meeting, sources said, but he stated that he is sometimes confused about what the 76ers are attempting to execute on the court,” Charania said.
The Sixers still haven’t played a game with their three biggest stars on the court this season. Maxey is expected to return from a hamstring injury this week.
Although the Sixers haven’t played their best basketball of the season on the court, the most concerning part is they do not seem united as a team. It is worrisome that the face of the franchise, Embiid, needs to be approached about his work ethic. As the best player, Embiid must lead by example and set the standard for what must be done on and off the court. There seems to be a divide between the coaches and the players, which will not foster a winning environment and culture.
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