The Philadelphia 76ers project optimism in the training camp, but sources close to the organization reveal deep-rooted dysfunction that is centered around Joel Embiid during the 24-58 collapse of last season. According to De Ringer, former employees and player employees describe an environment that is plagued by distrust and communication breakdown.
“The organization is built around a man who does not trust anyone and usually stays for himself,” said a former employee of Sixers. When Embiid appeared in just 19 games last season, that isolation created organizational chaos.
The refusal of Embiid to communicate about his injury status extended further than the public into internal stakeholders. Players often arrived at work, not whether their star would fit. Coaches often learned the status of Embiid during pregame -warming -ups, sometimes less than an hour for Tipoff.
“With Joel, even if there is a plan, you can’t say anything about it,” said a second former team employee.
After a players, the tension escalated that only players were leaked in November to ESPN’s Shams Charania, with grievances aimed at Embiid who became public. The infringement of damaged dressing room confidence and seemed to influence Embiid most considerably.
“People left the feeling that they had become a corner that night. Everyone promised to keep the details in their own home. And then they wake up and all the details are out,” said a person who said close to a player.
“It all created an environment of dysfunction,” said an employee of a Sixers player.
President Daryl Morey carried out extensive evaluations out of season, resulting in personnel changes in coaching, medical and supporting staff. Morey emphasized the injecting young people into the schedule after he recognized his mistakes on building the supporting cast with veterans.
“We realize that we are in the ‘Prove-it’ phase,” said Morey on Media Day. “I don’t think it really matters what we are saying about our expectations here at the moment.”
The Sixers enter the camp with 69 percent of their salary capital dedicated to Embiid and Paul George, who underwent arthroscopic knee operation in July. George has not yielded any returns and said he is not ready to ‘start the entire disaster-up’.
Tyrese Maxey has taken on a leading role, organizing training sessions outside the season and emphasizing consistency, regardless of the availability of staff. Second -year guard Jared McCain will miss four to six weeks after tearing a ligament in his right thumb during training.
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