Joel Embiid’s tardiness saga continues to cast a shadow over the Philadelphia 76ers’ challenging season. Despite being called out by Tyrese Maxey in a recent team meeting for his habitual lateness, Embiid was once again late, this time arriving at the arena alarmingly close to game time before the 76ers’ matchup against the Memphis Grizzlies. Chris Vernon discussed this peculiar situation on The Mismatch podcast, shedding light on the superstar’s questionable pregame routine.
“So I get to the arena before that game and I get this text message. So there’s a guy that I know that is in town and he’s one of those like memorabilia guys. Big in the sports memorabilia autograph world.”
“Every city has these they go to opposing teams, hotels they know where the opposing team is staying they’ll go out there and they’ll try to get them to sign this or this or whatever it may be.”
“So anyways I get this text and the guy says I’ve never seen this before. He says team buses leave at like 5 o’clock and then there’s a second bus that leaves at like 5:15 that’s how virtually all of these NBA teams work.”
“I would say the majority of the team is always on the first bus and then a lot of the traveling party is on the second bus and 5:15 is about the latest, that second one will leave from the hotel.”
“So the guy says he says Embiid did not leave that hotel until 5:55 and I was like what the game is at seven and what’s crazy about this Jacobe, he warmed up super late and warmed up for about 3 to 5 minutes and then went and played in the game.”
“He ended up having maybe the least impressive 35 and 11, I’ve ever seen in my life ever seen and flopped on a free throw, flopped all the way down the court against Jaren Jackson, and then like almost purposely tripped over his feet it was just bizarre.”
The timing of Embiid’s tardiness couldn’t be worse. Following Maxey’s pointed remarks in the team meeting about the importance of punctuality and accountability, Embiid’s actions seem contradictory to the leadership expectations placed on him as the franchise cornerstone.
Maxey, in stepping into a leadership role, had emphasized how Embiid’s behavior could negatively impact the entire team. Yet, Embiid’s repeated lapses undermine those efforts and have raised questions about his commitment to setting an example.
On the court, the 76ers continue to struggle, with the loss to Memphis marking their fifth consecutive defeat. While Embiid’s raw numbers against the Grizzlies were impressive, the team’s overall performance was marred by inefficiency and injuries.
Tyrese Maxey, playing on a minutes restriction, managed just 8 points, while Paul George exited the game early with a knee injury, contributing only 2 points. Rookie Jared McCain and Guerschon Yabusele provided some spark with 20 and 17 points, respectively, but it wasn’t enough to overcome a well-rounded Memphis team.
The Grizzlies, led by Jaren Jackson Jr.’s 25 points and Desmond Bane’s 21-point, 10-rebound double-double, capitalized on their season-high 19 three-pointers to secure a 117-111 victory. For Memphis, the game marked a milestone for head coach Taylor Jenkins, who became the franchise’s all-time wins leader.
For the 76ers, the loss—and Embiid’s conduct—highlight broader concerns. The team entered the season with high expectations, featuring a trio of Embiid, Maxey, and George, supported by promising role players. However, injuries, inconsistent effort, and off-court distractions have derailed their campaign. Embiid’s late arrival is emblematic of a larger issue: a lack of cohesion and accountability within the roster.
As the 76ers continue to flounder, Embiid’s leadership—or lack thereof—will remain under scrutiny. With frustration mounting among teammates and fans alike, the team needs more than statistical output from its star. They need him to lead by example and buy into the culture of professionalism that Maxey and others are striving to establish. Until then, the Sixers’ season may continue to spiral out of control.
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