The 76ers might have a Joel Embiid problem that needs solving

The Philadelphia 76ers were supposed to be one of the teams that we thought could dethrone the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference this year. After Philly picked up Paul George, it seemed like this team was ready to compete for a championship.

We’re about a month into the season now and the 76ers are one of the worst teams in the league with a 2-11 record.

Joel Embiid missed a chunk of time there with rest and a suspension. Regardless, this team does not look great. The vibes don’t sound too great, either.

After losing to the Miami Heat on Monday, the 76ers players held a team meeting after the game, according to ESPN’s Shams Charania.

In the meeting, Tyrese Maxey called out Embiid. Here’s more from Shams:

“Maxey challenged Embiid to be on time to team activities, calling out the 2022-23 league MVP about being late “for everything” and how it impacts the locker room, from other players to the coaching staff, sources briefed on the meeting told ESPN.”

Charania went on to report that there’s no beef between the two of them and that they hold each other accountable like this frequently.

But, still. The fact that this needed to happen so early in the season when the team looks as bad as it has since the early days of The Process is not a great sign for things at all.

CAPTURE THE FLAGG: The 76ers are right in the thick of things if they’re tanking for Cooper Flagg.

Philly isn’t supposed to be a bottom feeder. This is a team that was put together to compete at the top of the East. It’s not too late to do that. But, to simply win 50 games again, Philly would have to win 48 of its next 69 games. That’s not impossible, but it’s tough to do. And if Joel Embiid isn’t locked in, it won’t happen.

Good on Maxey for trying to get his teammate in gear. Let’s see if it works.