The Philadelphia 76ers have faced significant turmoil early in the season, with Joel Embiid‘s lack of availability reportedly impacting the team’s overall morale. Following a loss to the Orlando Magic on Monday night, reports emerged that All-Star guard Tyrese Maxey called out Embiid during a team meeting for his repeated tardiness and how it has negatively affected the team’s chemistry.
Sitting in 14th place in the Eastern Conference, even after newly acquiring All-Star small forward Paul George, concerns are mounting in Philadelphia. On his podcast, Gilbert Arenas and his crew discussed how some of these reported issues could have been addressed earlier.
Reports also indicated that some Sixers players expressed a desire to be coached harder. Former NBA player Kenyon Martin Sr. weighed in, criticizing head coach Nick Nurse for missing an opportunity to hold Embiid accountable in a way that could have prevented the need for a team meeting.
“So you make an example,” Martin said. “If we were in Miami, the game is in Miami, there’s a lot of sh^% going through a mother^^%&* brain. Out all night drinking, partying—a whole lot comes with that. That was Nick Nurse’s primetime to make an example. Then the team meeting wouldn’t have been necessary. The team meeting wouldn’t even happen if Nick Nurse stepped in and made an example in that moment.”
Martin emphasized that leadership starts at the top, and Nurse needs to do a better job of setting the tone if the Sixers hope to turn their season around and become competitive in the Eastern Conference.
Gilbert Arenas also shared his thoughts, stating that when a star like Embiid is lazy and not demonstrating professionalism, it becomes impossible to win. “That has stood true to the test of time,” Arenas added.
