Joel Embiid continues to make headlines.
The latest stems from an ESPN report that, during a team meeting Monday night, Philadelphia 76ers point guard Tyrese Maxey urged Embiid to arrive on time for team activities.
“Tyrese loves Big Fella, but this is the elephant in the room,” an unnamed person who was involved in the meeting told ESPN.
Embiid, who was said to be late “for everything,” reportedly responded positively to his teammate’s challenge.
The 2023 NBA MVP’s tardiness was only one item discussed during the team meeting, which Sixers veteran Kyle Lowry called after Monday’s 106-89 loss in Miami, according to ESPN.
The loss dropped the championship-hopeful 76ers to 2-11, tying them for the worst record in the NBA.
It’s been a challenging start to the season for Embiid in particular.
Embiid missed the first six games of the season due to injury management on his surgically repaired left knee. He then served a three-game suspension for shoving a Philadelphia Inquirer journalist who referenced Embiid’s son and late brother in a column questioning the 7-foot center’s commitment and professionalism.
Embiid is averaging 14.7 points on 32.4% shooting and 6.3 rebounds in three games this season — well below his standard statistics.
The Sixers are 0-3 with Embiid, including a 111-99 loss at home to the Knicks last week in his season debut. Philadelphia is yet to play a game in which Embiid, Maxey and Paul George, whom they signed to a max contract in the offseason, are all available.
Embiid underwent knee surgery last February, then returned by the end of the 2023-24 regular season and played in the Sixers’ first-round playoff loss to the Knicks. Embiid also suited up for Team USA at the Olympics during the summer and helped clinch the gold medal.
