The Philadelphia 76ers' front office strengthened the team's roster with the addition of Paul George and other key players in the offseason.
The addition of draft pick Jared McCain also helped raise expectations for the Sixers heading into the 2024-25 season.
However, the optimism quickly disappeared once the regular season ended. The Sixers have a disappointing record of 2 wins and 12 losses, and are at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings.
Joel Embiid recently made headlines after he was suspended after a confrontation with a reporter in the locker room earlier this month.
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Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after Tobias Harris scores in the first half during Game 2 of the first round of the NBA playoffs against the Brooklyn Nets on April 17, 2023 in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Derrick Hamilton)
The Sixers' starting center has played in just four games this season, but he disputed recent reports that revealed details about the 76ers' team meeting immediately after Philadelphia's loss to the Miami Heat.
“Whoever leaked it was the real deal –” Embiid said.
76ers' Paul George slams boos on return to Los Angeles, calling them 'stupid'
The team meeting came after head coach Nick Nurse suggested there was some confusion over the team's goals. Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey also reportedly confronted Emyed over being late for a meeting, saying the 2023 NBA MVP was late for “all sorts of reasons.”
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid, 21, and guard stand together during a break in the fourth quarter of a game against the Orlando Magic on April 12, 2024 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia. Tyrese Maxey (0 years old). (Bill Streicher/USA Today Sports)
Maxey also reportedly expressed concern about the negative impact Embiid's late arrival would have on the team.
After the Sixers' latest loss on Wednesday, Embiid said a wide range of topics were covered during the meeting, but he also acknowledged the need for improvement.
“We talked about a lot of things,” Embiid said. “I don't want to go into details. But that whole thing, that part probably took 40 seconds. But it's about Joel Embiid, so things are always going to be blown out of proportion. But it's whatever. I… I accept it.''The cause of everything is my fault, so I believe I am responsible for everything.
“Nothing malicious was said to me. I like it when people tell me when I'm not doing well, when I need to be better. That part (being late)… It probably happened once or twice when I wasn't playing, I need to get better, I need to be perfect, and I will.”
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) interacts with fans after scoring a basket during the second half of a game against the Orlando Magic on January 5, 2022 in Orlando, Florida. (AP Photo/Ferrand M. Ebenhack)
There were also some positives from the Sixers' 111-117 loss to the Grizzlies earlier this week. This game was the first time this season that Embiid, George and Maxey were on the floor at the same time.
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However, George aggravated his knee during the match. It is unclear when George will return. The Sixers will host the Brooklyn Nets on Friday in NBA Cup group play.
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