With frustration growing after a 2-11 start to the season, the Philadelphia 76ers held a team meeting Monday night, placing some of the blame on former ESPN Most Valuable Player Joel Embiid. reported Tuesday.
With NBA championship aspirations after spending more than $400 million to put together a “big three” of Embiid, Paul George and Tyrese Maxey, the 76ers are off to a thud in last place in the Eastern Conference. And Maxey called on Embiid during the team meeting to stop being late “for everything” because of the impact his lateness has on the rest of the team, according to ESPN.
Due to injuries, illness and a three-game suspension for Embiid, the three have yet to play together.
“Tyrese loves Big Fella, but this is the elephant in the room,” someone in the meeting told ESPN.
Veteran Kyle Lowry reportedly called the team and coaches to the meeting following Philadelphia’s 106-89 loss to the Miami Heat.
Embiid apparently accepted Maxey’s criticism, with the pair described by ESPN as good friends. Embiid – an All-NBA pick and the 2022-2023 MVP – has played just three games this season.
Coach Nick Nurse also heard from players that they want tougher coaching, while Nurse’s staff said players need to improve their play in practice. Embiid said, according to ESPN, that he is sometimes confused by what is happening on the court.
Maxey, signed to a five-year contract in the offseason worth nearly $204 million, strained his right hamstring on Nov. 6 and has been out since but is expected to return soon.
George, a nine-time All-Star, signed a four-year deal worth $212 million as a free agent this offseason. A bone bruise in his left knee has limited George to seven games.