The Philadelphia 76ers are projecting optimism entering training camp, but sources close to the organization reveal deep-seated dysfunction centered around Joel Embiid during last season’s 24-58 collapse. Former staffers and player associates describe an environment plagued by mistrust and communication breakdowns, according to The Ringer.
“The organization was built around one guy who doesn’t trust anyone and mostly keeps to himself,” one former Sixers staffer said. When Embiid appeared in just 19 games last season, that isolation created organizational chaos.
Embiid’s refusal to communicate about his injury status extended beyond the public to internal stakeholders. Players frequently arrived at work unaware whether their star would suit up. Coaches often learned Embiid’s status during pregame warmups, sometimes less than an hour before tipoff.
“With Joel, even if there is a plan in place, you can’t say anything about it,” a second former team staffer said.
Tension escalated after a November players-only meeting was leaked to ESPN’s Shams Charania, with grievances directed at Embiid becoming public. The breach damaged locker room trust and appeared to affect Embiid most significantly.
“People left that night feeling like they had turned a corner. Everyone promised to keep the details in-house. And then they wake up and all the details are out,” a person close to a player said.
“It all created an environment of dysfunction,” said an associate of a Sixers player.
President Daryl Morey conducted extensive offseason evaluations, resulting in personnel changes across coaching, medical, and support staff. Morey emphasized injecting youth into the roster after recognizing his mistakes building the supporting cast with veterans.
“We realize we’re in the ‘prove-it’ phase,” Morey said at media day. “I don’t think it really matters what we’re saying up here on our expectations at this point.”
The Sixers enter camp with 69 percent of their salary cap committed to Embiid and Paul George, who underwent arthroscopic knee surgery in July. George has not provided a return timetable and said he’s not ready to “start the full ramp-up.”
Tyrese Maxey has assumed a leadership role, organizing offseason workouts and emphasizing consistency regardless of personnel availability. Second-year guard Jared McCain will miss four to six weeks after tearing a ligament in his right thumb during practice.