Joel Embiid Says Sixers Can Still Contend, But Right Now, That Feels Like Tallest Of Tasks

November 21, 2024

Joel Embiid wasn’t ranting. He wasn’t pointing fingers. If anything, the 76ers’ star big man sounded measured — focused, even — when speaking to reporters after Philadelphia’s 117-111 loss to the Grizzlies on Wednesday.

Yet, the frustration behind his words was unmistakable, and for good reason.

The Sixers, sitting at 2-12 after five straight losses, are staring at a season that’s unraveling quicker than anyone anticipated.

Wednesday’s defeat came on a night where Embiid finally looked like the MVP-caliber player fans are used to, posting 35 points and 11 rebounds. But even his standout performance couldn’t offset what’s become a running theme — turnovers, missed opportunities, and miscommunication on both ends of the floor.

To make matters worse, Paul George exited with a knee injury in the second half, the same knee that caused him to miss time earlier this season. An MRI revealed no structural damage, but he’s expected to miss at least two games. For a team already battling injuries and inconsistency, it feels like another gut punch.

“It sucks,” Tyrese Maxey said, addressing George’s setback. “We’re just trying to get healthy and figure things out.”

Health is one thing; chemistry is another. The Sixers have had neither, and a leaked team meeting earlier this week only added to the drama. Embiid, who was called out by Maxey for tardiness during the meeting, took accountability but wasn’t thrilled about it becoming public.

“Whoever leaked that is a real piece of s—,” Embiid said, his tone sharp but controlled. “We’re just trying to hold each other accountable. But we don’t need outside noise making it bigger than it is.”

The Sixers are talented, no question. Embiid knows it, and he still believes they can contend. But belief only goes so far. “We have to actually do it,” he said. Right now, doing it feels like the tallest of tasks.