Tyrese Maxey Calls Joel Embiid Out For Excesive Lateness

The Sixers are a mess right now. They are 2-11, Joel Embiid missed the first few weeks as he ramped up, and Paul George and Tyrese Maxey both missed games for injury. What was supposed to be a new era for the Sixers has been so in all of the wrong ways.

Now, after the most recent disaster down in Miami, the team called an emergency team meeting. In that meeting, Tyrese Maxey stepped up as a leader and called out the former MVP. Embiid has apparently showed up late to several team activities.

It comes on the heel of Embiid already being the subject of scorn. Many in the city place the blame for this poor start on him not being ready to go. Whether or not that is fair is one question. Embiid's health is not 100% in his control, but missing that many games to start the season, and looking lethargic in the first 3 games he did play, is understandably frustrating.

But what is in his control is if he shows up on time. Showing up on time to things is easy. There is no excuse for not doing so. We now know he was not doing so, thus him being called out by Maxey for excessive tardiness.

Maybe that team meeting and Maxey's leadership could be the spark the team needs to turn things around. Maybe it will motivate the big man to step his game up. But it also could be just the start of an utter collapse.

How the team, and Embiid in particular, reacts to this, will tell you a lot about this team. They faced adversity, they had a heart-to-heart. By all accounts, Embiid was receptive to Maxey calling him out. But we won't know for sure until we see how they react. The next game could tell the story of how this season goes for the Sixers.

It also should be said the Sixers' problems do not begin and end with Embiid. Him missing the start of the season, and struggling his first few games back is obviously a major problem. But the fact the team struggled this badly without him is a terrible sign as well. Nick Nurse and Tyrese Maxey are not blameless, but at least Tyrese Maxey is doing his part as a leader to try and fix it.

It is not too late yet, but it is getting late. 13 games is more than a 1/10th of the way through the season. They have at least gotten help from the rest of the East struggling. Even at 2-11, they are only 4 games back from being out of the Play-In Tournament. If they fix things now, they can find themselves in a decent position, but it needs to happen fast. If they dig themselves any deeper, they may not be able to get out of it at all.

Also, why is what is being said in a closed-door meeting ending up on the front page of ESPN? The fact the meeting happened, and Maxey called out Embiid, is great. The fact we know what was said is a really bad look for a team that seems to have a ton of issues already.

The Philadelphia 76ers entered the 2024-25 season with high aspirations to compete for a berth in the NBA Finals. The heartbreak of recent playoff exits has left the fan base hungry for success, and the Sixers have the team to achieve it.

Joel Embiid returns after an injury stunted his momentum during a stretch in 2023-24 when he looked like the best basketball player in the world and the frontrunner for NBA MVP.

Games at the Wells Fargo Center will draw excellent crowds this season, but there are also things you need to know before a Sixers game.

Embiid is the centerpiece and the most important factor in the Sixers’ championship odds. However, he’ll also play with an excellent supporting cast of star players.

Tyrese Maxey returns for his fifth NBA season ready to continue his ascension toward the top tier of NBA guards.

Despite the pair of stars, 76ers fans needed a reason to believe things will be different in 2024-25 after repeated heartbreaking exits from the NBA Playoffs in seven straight years.

Daryl Morey provided that reason by landing the top free agent on the market. Paul George signed a lucrative four-year contract to become the third leg of a loaded starting lineup and the organization's hopeful missing piece to their title dreams.

Watching an NBA game live in person is one of the most captivating experiences in professional sports. The opportunity to see 7-footers charge up and down the court is a display of athleticism you can’t get anywhere else. 

The most passionate sports city in the world also creates an unforgettable atmosphere at the Wells Fargo Center. 

If you’re a lifelong diehard headed to the arena, refresh yourself and see what’s changing in 2024-25. If you’re a rookie NBA fan, gear up for memories of exhilarating live action that can drive a crowd wild.

It’s not always a no-brainer. You’ll have your Sixers gear on, but make sure a jacket, a hat, or any other clothes you wear don’t rep the visiting colors. Don’t risk getting stuck wearing green if it’s a matchup against the Boston Celtics.

Eight parking lots surround the arena. Availability changes depending on your arrival time, but the C, D, E, F, and H lots surrounding the Wells Fargo Center are typically the easiest to access. The arena lots no longer accept cash.

If you’d rather take public transportation to the game, NRG Station is the terminal stop on the Broad Street Line (SEPTA Orange Line). It lets riders out at Broad Street and Pattison Avenue, just a short walk from the Wells Fargo Center.

The entrances open 1.5 hours before most home games. Concession stands and merchandise locations around the main concourse typically open at the same time. The Sixers don’t allow reentry.

Limit what you bring into the arena to make the screening process simpler. Fans cannot bring any outside food and beverage items.

The Broad Street entrance, the 11th Street entrance, and the new premium entrance now have bag entry locations with a screening process to allow bags bigger than 4.5 inches x 6.5 inches and smaller than 14 inches x 14 inches. 

The venues at the South Philadelphia Sports Complex have made improvements since the Covid-19 pandemic to keep lines at the entrances moving quickly.

Digital access has become the easiest way to enter the arena. The Wells Fargo Center offers digital options through its official box office.

If you’re buying or selling, the Ticket Transfer app has also made it easier for people to exchange tickets before the game.

Most weeknight home games begin at 7pm during the regular season.

However, the Sixers play some afternoon games at home. Plus, any nationally televised games can change the typical schedule. Make sure you check before heading to the game.

You could easily go with the classic cheesesteak, and crab fries from Chickie’s and Pete’s should be on the table. You can even get a milkshake at Toothsome inside the Wells Fargo Center.

The building also introduced new food and merchandise options entering the 2024-25 season.

There are plenty of options at a Sixers game. Many fans will be interested in a cold drink too. Just make sure to avoid cash payments at concession stands.

The Sixers have plenty of great giveaways lined up for the 2024-25 season. Grab your t-shirt at the home opener, a winter hat before the seasons change, or even a few freebie Coors Light cans scattered throughout the season.

Check their promotional calendar for all upcoming events.

If you’re looking for a night out after the game, head right over to Xfinity Live. The Sports Complex’s favorite bar offers specials after many games for fans who leave the arena.

South Philly has plenty of other bars close to the stadium, including Chickie’s and Pete’s and Philadium. Center City is also just a short ride away on the Broad Street Line.