Joel Embiid on what happened at the 76ers’ players only meeting that was leaked to the media

The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Gina Mizell was in Memphis on Wednesday night and spoke with Joel Embiid about the ‘players only’ meeting that was leaked to the media on Monday night.

Joel Embiid on Leaked Players Meeting:

Joel Embiid sounded off after details from the 76ers’ lengthy team meeting Monday night — including that teammate Tyrese Maxey called out the 2023 NBA Most Valuable Player for tardiness — surfaced through multiple reports citing anonymous sources, saying “whoever leaked that is a real piece of [expletive].”

“We talked about a lot of things. I don’t want to get into detail. But that whole thing, that part of it, took probably 40 seconds. But it’s Joel Embiid, so things will always get blown out of proportion. It’s whatever, though. I’ll take it. I’m the reason for everything, so I guess I’ll take the blame for everything. 

There was nothing malicious being said. I like when people are telling me when I’m not doing good and when I need to be better. That part of it (tardiness) probably happened once or twice when I wasn’t playing. So I need to be better. I need to be perfect. I need to be on point, which I’m going to do.”

Honestly, I don’t think Joel Embiid has to do anything different outside of staying healthy. It’s beyond puzzling that NBA and 76ers fans specifically forget that year after year, Embiid starts the season slow before turning things around in December and January.

Unfortunately, that has also come with a ton of injuries and disappointing performances in the playoffs but at the end of the day, questioning Embiid in November is ridiculous. 

Last night against the Grizzlies served as the perfect example. Embiid delivered a performance that reminded everyone why he’s the best big man in the league. He dropped 35 points with 11 rebounds, hit all 14 of his free throws, and looked comfortable for the first time all season.

The 76ers even rediscovered some pick-and-roll magic, getting Embiid the ball at the nail, where he feasted. It’s hard not to wonder why it’s taken this long for them to consistently put him in his comfort zone, but at least they figured it out for one night.

.@JoelEmbiid with 10 pts after just 9 mins of play. pic.twitter.com/BOmC1kOhmV

— Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) November 21, 2024

76ers lose in Memphis 117-111, fall to a miserable 2-12 on the season

The entire story was questionable from the jump and really, the ONLY issue was the fact that a “players only” team meeting was leaked to the media in the first place.

I’m sad to report that there’s a fox in the henhouse, folks- a RAT lurking in the 76ers locker room that believes taking a 40-second point made from Tyrese Maxey and dramatizing it to the point that ESPN and Rat Boy Shams are running ridiculous headlines saying that Embiid is “never on time” and “being called out by teammates” is acceptable behavior. 

It’s not, obviously, and it’s becoming clear as day that anyone who’s reporting the exchange out of context has never even stepped foot into an actual locker room, let alone one from a professional sports league that’s having a players only meeting.

Embiid saying that “whoever leaked that is a real piece of shit” is spot on and exactly the message that should be delivered throughout the entire Philadelphia 76ers organization. 

Joel Embiid: ‘Whoever leaked that is a real piece of shit”

Couldn't agree more, @JoelEmbiid #TrustTheProcess | #THTP pic.twitter.com/g0nFmvgqau

— The Liberty Line (@LibertyLinePHL) November 21, 2024

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