Sixers Leak a Disaster

Paul George was correct. The fact that details of a team meeting leaked to an ESPN reporter undermines everything that was accomplished in that meeting. It weakens whatever trust might have been developing between the team and Embiid, who, in my opinion, does not have a “team-first” mindset.

Given his injury back in February, there’s no way he should have competed in the Olympics, especially considering his injury history and ongoing recovery. It was entirely predictable that he would be a no-go at the start of the season.

He complains that “he has to take the blame for everything,” but the blame does start with him. As the face of the franchise, he bears that responsibility. He complains that he has to “be perfect.” Well, in terms of demeanor and behavior, he does. He cannot show up late, especially to games where he isn’t playing. He must set an example and prove that he’s a good teammate who sees himself as an equal, not above everyone else. Showing up late is disrespectful to the coaching staff and his teammates.

I do not consult with the 76ers or their players, but as a sports psychiatrist, my sense is that the leadership role on the Sixers has shifted to Maxey. He is the best player and the one that the other players can trust. Because of their injury histories, neither Joel Embiid nor Paul George commands the same trust.

The Sixers showed me a lot in the fourth quarter against the Nets the other night. Maxey and McCain took over. Alongside Gershon Y, Oubre, and Reggie Jackson, they formed a high-energy unit. While they struggled to guard the rim, they did everything else—and it paid off in a victory. Wins like that will only strengthen the cohesion among the team, minus Embiid and George.

I looked at the box score after the game, and my mind was blown by the number of steals. These guys gave everything they had to win, and it paid off. No matter how George and Embiid fit into this team as the season progresses, this group is a great nucleus.