DeMarcus Cousins didn’t mince words when discussing Joel Embiid’s struggles this season during his appearance on Run It Back TV. The outspoken former NBA All-Star offered a blunt critique of the Philadelphia 76ers star, calling for him to regain focus and shift his attention back to the court.
“I think Joel’s focus is in the wrong place. F**k who the rat is right now. Your team is struggling. Y’all look horrible this season It’s a lot of negativity coming your way, from the media from the organization from your teammates.”
“This is time to right the ship. Let’s get back to the foundation which is playing basketball Go lock in go win some games. Let’s start to right this ship. They have more than enough time.”
“They’re in the east. It’s a top heavy conference. They have more than enough of a chance to get into the playoffs and actually make some noise. So I believe Joel’s focus should be not about who the rat is but just righting the ship, getting his play in the right place. And you can worry about that s**t later.”
"Joel [Embiid's] focus is in the wrong place. F*ck who the rat is right now. [The 76ers] are struggling… They have more than enough time. They are in the Eastern Conference."
— Demarcus Cousins 🗣️
(via @RunItBackFDTV)pic.twitter.com/gHmtaQrRxz
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) November 27, 2024
The Sixers are enduring a dismal start to the season with a 3-13 record, despite entering the year with expectations to contend in the Eastern Conference. Reports of internal dysfunction and off-court distractions have compounded their woes, leading to speculation about locker-room issues.
Embiid’s performance this season is a far cry from his MVP-winning form in 2022-23. He’s averaging career lows in nearly every major statistical category: 19.8 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists per game. His efficiency has plummeted, shooting just 37.9% from the field and an abysmal 16.7% from three-point range. For a player regarded as one of the most dominant forces in the league, these numbers are startling.
Philadelphia’s lack of success has only magnified Embiid’s struggles. The team’s defense has been porous, and their offense lacks rhythm. While role players have also underperformed, much of the blame naturally falls on Embiid’s shoulders as the franchise cornerstone. His inability to impose himself has made it difficult for the Sixers to stay competitive in games.
Cousins’ critique of Embiid comes at a pivotal moment. The Sixers, despite their horrific start, have ample time to salvage their season. With over 60 games left, Philadelphia is just 5.5 games out of the sixth seed in a weak Eastern Conference. Reaching .500 could vault them back into playoff contention.
To achieve that, Embiid must step up. As Cousins noted, Embiid’s focus on off-court distractions is misplaced. Philadelphia’s success starts and ends with its superstar, who, at his best, is an unstoppable force. Cousins’ message was clear: put aside the drama, return to basics, and lead the team out of its slump.
For Embiid, the time to turn things around is now. If he can regain his MVP form, the Sixers still have hope. However, if his current trajectory continues, the season may spiral further out of control—and questions about his leadership and future in Philadelphia will only intensify.
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