Joel Embiid, the 2022-23 NBA MVP, is facing mounting criticism over his professionalism and conduct within NBA and Philadelphia 76ers circles. During a recent episode of FanDuel’s Run It Back, Sam Amick of The Athletic shed light on Embiid’s perceived issues, noting that his professionalism has “consistently been questioned” both in Philadelphia and across the league.
“That’s the thing, I mean, I’ll be honest guys, I knew that his professionalism had been questioned consistently, you know, around the league and within the organization.”
“I was a little surprised by, like man, the second the top was blown off this story, then all of a sudden, you know, in these conversations that you’re constantly having with folks around the league, like the narrative instantly became like, oh, you and the media, like, y’all have been way too soft on him and this has been going on forever.”
“And that contrast between, you know, the discussion before and the discussion after was pretty great. I’m still not sure what my take is on, you know, on how much folks are piling on versus what’s really been the case.”
“But you know the weight is something that yes, within the Sixers, that has been a concern for a long time. And it’s that kind of first guy to the gym mentality that he has not necessarily always had.”
"I'll be honest guys, I knew that his professionalism had been questioned consistently around the league, and within the organization."@sam_amick on questions surrounding Joel Embiid's reputation.@MichelleDBeadle | @TeamLou23 | @ChandlerParsons
📺: https://t.co/4kXYMoAe6s pic.twitter.com/wKtsEdQtgh
— Run It Back (@RunItBackFDTV) November 25, 2024
Reports have surfaced following a turbulent start to the 2024-25 season, suggesting that Embiid’s approach to team responsibilities has raised concerns among league insiders and within the organization itself. This comes in the wake of a reported team meeting where Tyrese Maxey, Embiid’s close teammate and friend, called out the superstar center for his habitual tardiness.
The fallout from this meeting has been significant, with Embiid reportedly furious over the details being leaked to the media. He downplayed the issue, suggesting the discussion about his punctuality lasted only “30 seconds” during a broader team conversation. However, league sources indicated that Embiid’s reaction included an intense effort to identify the source of the leak.
Beyond the specific incident, there have been growing whispers that the media has treated Embiid with undue leniency regarding long-standing concerns about his professionalism. Despite his off-court concerns, Embiid’s talent on the hardwood is undeniable.
He has garnered seven All-Star selections, five All-NBA honors, and an MVP award, while also leading the league in scoring in 2022 and 2023. His 34.7 points-per-game average last season marked a career-high, though injuries limited him to just 39 games. Unfortunately, this season has been similarly hampered, with Embiid appearing in only four games due to knee injury management and a three-game suspension stemming from an incident involving a media member.
The 76ers’ struggles have magnified these issues, as the team sits near the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings with a dismal 3-13 record. The addition of Paul George in the offseason was expected to bolster Philadelphia’s chances, but George has played in only eight games due to injuries, compounding the team’s woes.
Philadelphia’s inability to capitalize on Embiid’s dominance has been a recurring theme. Despite seven consecutive postseason appearances, the Sixers haven’t advanced past the second round of the playoffs since 2001. This season, the optimism surrounding their revamped roster has quickly turned into a narrative of dysfunction and missed opportunities.
Embiid’s situation illustrates a broader challenge for the Sixers: balancing the generational talent of their star player with the leadership and consistency needed to achieve success. If Philadelphia cannot turn things around, questions about Embiid’s legacy and impact on the team will only grow louder.
How Has Joel Embiid Never Learned The Most Basic Lessons?
Joel Embiid’s professionalism—or lack thereof—has become a focal point in the ongoing discussions surrounding the Philadelphia 76ers and their underwhelming 2024-25 season. For a player of Embiid’s generational talent, his reported struggles with punctuality and consistency raise significant questions.
How can a player of his caliber, someone who has been crowned MVP and is celebrated as one of the most dominant forces in the league, fail to exhibit the professionalism expected of a franchise cornerstone?
The issue becomes even more glaring when compared to the exemplary work ethics of NBA legends. Consider LeBron James, Embiid’s Olympic teammate, who is nearing the age of 40 and still competing at an elite level in his 22nd NBA season. LeBron is renowned for arriving at arenas hours before games, meticulously preparing himself both mentally and physically.
His dedication to longevity and excellence is a testament to how professionalism can enhance and sustain a player’s greatness over decades. For Embiid, who is still in his prime, the gap in preparation and commitment is perplexing.
Beyond LeBron, Embiid has historical examples to draw inspiration from. Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant, two of the fiercest competitors in NBA history, built their legacies on relentless effort and an unwavering commitment to their craft. Jordan was legendary for his drive, constantly finding ways to push himself and his teammates to the next level.
Similarly, Bryant’s “Mamba Mentality” became a blueprint for success, showcasing the power of tireless work, attention to detail, and personal accountability. Both players left no stone unturned in their pursuit of greatness—a stark contrast to the allegations of tardiness and lack of focus that now plague Embiid.
Even Shaquille O’Neal, who was criticized at times for his weight issues and off-court antics, made sure to deliver when it mattered most. Despite his occasional lack of conditioning, Shaq dominated when the stakes were highest, leveraging his generational talent to deliver championships. The criticism surrounding his work ethic often came from his pursuit of perfection, not from a lack of professionalism when it came to game-time readiness.
For Embiid, the question becomes: Why hasn’t he internalized these lessons? His unique skill set—a combination of size, athleticism, and versatility—is rare in any era of the NBA. Yet, professionalism and preparation are what elevate talent into legendary status. The whispers about his tardiness and lack of accountability threaten to overshadow his immense talent and achievements.
If Embiid hopes to cement his legacy among the all-time greats, he must address these shortcomings. The examples set by LeBron, Jordan, Kobe, and even Shaq illustrate that talent alone isn’t enough. Success requires an unrelenting commitment to preparation, professionalism, and a willingness to lead by example.
Until Embiid embraces these qualities, the gap between his potential and his reality will remain a frustrating narrative for fans, teammates, and the NBA community at large.
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