76ers’ star calls out Joel Embiid for being late ‘for everything,’ hurting team culture

In a team meeting following the Philadelphia 76ers’ ninth loss in 10 games, star guard Tyrese Maxey called out Joel Embiid for being late “for everything” and for hurting team culture, according to an ESPN report.
“In the meeting, Maxey challenged Embiid to be on time to team activities, calling out the former league MVP about being late ‘for everything’ and how it impacts the locker room, from other players to the coaching staff, sources briefed on the meeting told ESPN,” the report said.
“Tyrese loves Big Fella, but this is the elephant in the room,” a person involved in the meeting told ESPN.
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The report said 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.”
The Sixers are now tied with the Washington Wizards for the NBA’s worst record — and are thus tied for the top spot in the Cooper Flagg Sweepstakes. The Sixers have lost 9 of their last 10.
The Sixers and Wizards are both 2-11 and own a 14% chance to land the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, which could well end up being the 6-foot-9 Flagg out of Duke.
Embiid has played in just three games this season while resting himself with what the team called “left knee injury management.” When he has played, he has looked rusty and out of shape.
Maxey, meantime, is out multiple weeks with a hamstring injury but is still taking a leadership role.
“That’s real leadership,” one league source said of Maxey calling out Embiid.
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Adam Zagoria is a freelance reporter who covers Seton Hall and NJ college basketball for NJ Advance Media. You may follow him on Twitter @AdamZagoria and check out his Website at ZAGSBLOG.com.