The Sixers depart Florida winless after their 106-89 loss to the Heat on Monday. The Sixers looked primed to win the game early when the led by as much as sixteen! But of course, they could not play a full forty-eight minutes of good basketball and in the end simply looked aloof on the court. It's really looking sad. Even the rise of Jared McCain can't heal this type of sports pain.
Many fingers are starting to be pointed in many different directions. A huge portion of these pointed fingers are being directed towards Joel Embiid and it's not surprising. Joel seems to be pretty unprofessional and overall immature and soft. Year in and year out Sixers fans are optimistic but with little actual results. It's a very odd dynamic. As much as Philly fans have a reputation of impatience I actually think when it comes to Embiid, the city has been highly patient and forgiving towards Embiid. I mean, he didn't even play his first two seasons as a pro but the Sixers still had faith. But patience is starting to wear thin slowly...
I wonder if Embiid is even motivated after he helped the US get a Gold Medal in these past olympics. I mean, the guy is rich, he is an MVP and a Gold Medalist. I mean, how bad does he really want a championship? Embiid is so full of natural talent that I hope it doesn't end up being a double edged sword soon...
It just feels like Embiid truly doesn't care. There's always a reason he can't play. Maybe it's bad luck or maybe he does not take care of his body too? Hmmm.
After their loss on Monday, the team apparently had an HOUR long team meeting discussing that players want Nick Nurse to coach them harder, which I actually really respect. Also, Tyrese Maxey had the confidence to actually CALL OUT Embiid! While it is concerning it has reached this point to where Embiid needs to be called out, I think since the call out came from the highly liked and respected player like Maxey, the call out has a good chance at actually getting to Embiid positively.
Apparently Maxey criticized Embiid for 'being late to everything' and how that impacts the team negatively. Pretty awesome and mature from the younger Maxey. Embiid seems to have taken it somewhat well while also pointing out that he does not always know what Nurse and the players are trying to accomplish on the court. Well if you were ACTUALLY committed and had better attendance maybe you'd know Embiid I mean sheesh.
I think the timing of this meeting and how Maxey called out the big dog is overall, mildly positive. People in the organization do care about the losing and aren't just arrogantly assuming everything is going to turn around by magic.
Phew. It never ends with these Sixers I swear LOL. There's been mild speculation Embiid could even be traded at some point. YIKES. Who knows.
Tomorrow, the Sixers are down south in Memphis to face the Grizzlies. They faced the Grizzlies somewhat recently. Fairly odd to see the same Western conference team again so soon. But there are only thirty teams so it's not TOO out of the ordinary I guess.
The Grizzlies are without Ja Morant, Zach Edey and Marcus Smart. The Sixers matchup well with those three players (I think) on the court already, but without those guys I would hope the Sixers stand a decent chance at actually getting a win finally!
This interesting but mostly sad season rolls on....
Still,
