In a candid interview, Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has opened up about a season fraught with turmoil, revealing the toxic environment that has plagued the team and hinting at a significant betrayal from within. With the 2024-25 NBA season marking one of the franchise’s lowest points, finishing with just 24 wins and a 13th-place finish in the Eastern Conference, the fallout from internal strife has left lasting scars.
Embiid’s journey with the 76ers has been tumultuous since his debut in 2016, but this past season stands out as particularly challenging. The team struggled with injuries, with Embiid appearing in only 19 games and fellow star Paul George playing just 41. However, the physical challenges were compounded by a deteriorating locker room atmosphere that began to unravel early in the season.
A pivotal moment occurred after a dismal start of 2-11, leading to a players’ meeting orchestrated by veteran Kyle Lowry. Intended to address issues of discipline and commitment, this meeting turned into a source of controversy when details were leaked to the press. Journalist Shams Charania reported that during this meeting, Tyrese Maxey confronted Embiid about his tardiness, prompting a heated response from the Cameroonian center. Embiid expressed his outrage at the breach of privacy, calling the leaker a “real piece of shit,” a sentiment echoed by George.
In a recent interview with Jacob Moreno from TTN Sports, Embiid addressed the fallout from that meeting, stating he is aware of who leaked the information but has chosen not to disclose the name. “The past is the past,” he remarked, adding, “It’s hard to be around someone who is capable of doing that. Once you lose trust, you can’t expect to be involved in a team meeting again.” This lingering distrust among players threatens to obstruct any efforts at rebuilding team chemistry.
Adding to Embiid’s challenges has been the deterioration of his relationship with James Harden. Once a formidable duo, the bond between Embiid and Harden has been shattered following a summer of discontent. In an interview with ESPN’s Dotun Akintoye, Embiid revealed that Harden has ceased all communication with him, which has deeply affected him. The pair had previously led the 76ers to a successful 54-win season in 2022-23, with Embiid capturing the MVP award and Harden leading the league in assists.
However, the summer of 2023 brought turmoil when Harden felt betrayed by general manager Daryl Morey, who allegedly failed to deliver on promises of a maximum contract extension. Harden’s subsequent refusal to play resulted in a prolonged standoff that culminated in his trade to the Los Angeles Clippers. While this conflict did not directly involve Embiid, it undoubtedly impacted him emotionally. “It hurts when you feel like you didn’t do anything wrong,” he shared. “When you feel like you have a close relationship with someone and all of a sudden you lose it, it’s very hard to take.”
As the 76ers look ahead, the road to recovery appears steep. The internal strife and the fallout from the Harden situation have left the team in a precarious position. With trust eroded and relationships strained, the 76ers must find a way to rebuild both on and off the court if they hope to return to their former glory.
In summary, Joel Embiid’s revelations about the betrayal within the 76ers shed light on the challenges facing the team as they navigate a tumultuous period. With key players struggling to maintain relationships and trust, the 76ers will need to confront these issues head-on to forge a path toward success in the upcoming season. As the NBA landscape continues to evolve, all eyes will be on Philadelphia to see how they respond to this tumultuous chapter in their history.