The 76ers came into the 2024-25 season with championship goals, but a dreadful start has thrown a massive damper on their outlook.
Through 13 games, Philadelphia is tied with Washington for the worst record in the Eastern Conference (2-11), has dealt with injuries to all three of its stars and, most recently, blew a lead against the Heat on the road.
Despite a huge offseason where they signed Paul George and multiple other rotation pieces in free agency, things simply aren't clicking for the 76ers so far. After Monday's loss, Philadelphia held a team meeting, where star guard Tyrese Maxey reportedly called out former MVP center Joel Embiid.
What did Maxey say to Embiid? Here are the latest reports on what happened in the 76ers' team meeting, plus the details to know about Philadelphia's tough season-opening stretch and Embiid's performance so far.
SN's NBA HQ: Live NBA scores | Updated NBA standings | Full NBA schedule
What did Tyrese Maxey say to Joel Embiid?
ESPN's Shams Charania reported Tuesday that veteran guard Kyle Lowry called for the 76ers' team meeting after their 106-89 loss to Miami on Monday.
In the meeting, Maxey reportedly "challenged Embiid to be on time to team activities" as the star center has been late "for everything," impacting the rest of the team and locker room.
Maxey and Embiid, who have played together in Philadelphia since Maxey was drafted in 2020, have a known friendship and strong relationship. In Charania's story, a source that was "involved in the meeting" told him that "Tyrese loves Big Fella', but this is the elephant in the room."
Charania's report also notes that players told Philadelphia's head coach, Nick Nurse, that they want to be coached harder, while the coaching staff told players they want them to practice with attention to detail.
Another report from The Athletic on Tuesday added in details about the 76ers' team meeting, including an apparent quote from Maxey to Embiid: "Joel, you know I love you. But it starts with you, and your habits.”
The 76ers' star trio — Embiid, Maxey and George — has yet to play a game together this season.
MORE: Why to believe in the Cavaliers amid winning streak
76ers losing streak
Philadelphia is just 2-11 this season and has lost four consecutive games entering Wednesday's matchup against the Grizzlies. The 76ers' only two victories, which came against the Pacers and Hornets, were in overtime. Prior to the win over Charlotte on Nov. 10, the team was on a five-game losing streak.
Part of Philadelphia's lack of success has been bad injury luck, as Embiid missed the opening stretch of the season while recovering from a knee injury. He was even listed as doubtful with an illness before suiting up against Miami on Monday.
George, meanwhile, missed the first few games of Philadelphia's season after a preseason knee injury but has been on the court for seven games now.
Finally, Maxey, who averaged 27.6 points over his first seven games, sustained a hamstring injury that's kept the guard sidelined since Nov. 6.
While Philadelphia has struggled early in the 2024-25 campaign, there has been one bright spot: the recent play of rookie guard Jared McCain, who now has five consecutive games with 20-plus points.
ROOKIE RANKINGS: Jared McCain out to early lead over Zach Edey, others
Joel Embiid stats
Embiid has been back on the court lately after his injury recovery, but he hasn't been his dominant self. Through his first three games, the center is averaging just 14.7 points, which would be a career-worst mark by a large margin.
Here's a look at Embiid's full 2024-25 stat line through three contests:
| PPG | APG | RPG | SPG | BPG | TO | FG% | 3P% | FT% |
| 14.7 | 4.0 | 6.3 | 0.3 | 1.0 | 3.3 | 32.4% | 15.4% | 100.0% |
