Camden, NJ — The Philadelphia 76ers began a brief training camp Saturday morning at the team's training complex. As the Sixers prepare for their trip to Abu Dhabi, the team held OTAs leading up to Friday's Media Day, but held their first official camp day over the weekend.
Following their practice, several members of the team met with the media to discuss the days events and the state of the team as they prepare to begin the preseason
Joel Embiid, who is taking on a brand new approach to his health to optimize the team's chances to win, participated in practice before meeting with the media.
According to head coach Nick Nurse, "[He] didn't do everything, but he did quite a bit." Nurse also confirmed Embiid was able to participate in live up and down action.
As he began to address the media, Embiid discussed a number of topics, among which was Maxey's role as a leader on this team.
"He's good," Embiid said. "His demeanor, always smiling, talking, that's what he is."
Maxey is known for his infectious smile and unrelenting work ethic. As he enters his sixth year with the team, Maxey's hands-on style has only grown, and this year, he's looking to transform Sixers basketball.
"We need a standard like this is who we are every single day, no matter who plays, no matter who doesn't play," Maxey told Philly Sports Network at Media Day.
"When you see the Philadelphia 76ers, you're going to see that team every single night, every single time you turn the TV on, every single time you step foot in whatever arena that we're playing in, this is the team that you're going to get, and this is the type of culture you're going to get. They're going to do a certain thing, a certain way, every single night."
That type of consistency is crucial, especially in an environment where the lineup is inconsistent on a nearly nightly basis.
Embiid went on to discuss the stylistic difference between the approach of he and Maxey, explaining why the two are such a perfect pairing at the helm of this team.
"Obviously, I’m a little bit quieter, I talk to these guys... and that's why such a good match. Sometimes you need a quiet person who does the little things that might not be seen. And you also need Tyrese, because that's his personality, and I like that, and that's why it's such a good combination. But it goes back to just him being a good kid, willing to learn, humble."
Embiid does bring up an interesting point. Though the Sixers' leadership hierarchy is often debated, and some have already proclaimed Tyrese Maxey as the current crown wearer, Embiid's leadership ability not only exists, as players have often said, but also plays an important and diverse role in the team.
And don't hear what Embiid's not saying. There is no bitterness just because he brought up the contrast to their leadership styles. In fact, Maxey embracing a leadership role on this team is by Embiid's design, as he was the initial force who pushed Maxey into the foreground.
"Probably the end of my fourth year, I just remember Joel kind of pulling me to the side telling me, like, my voice is going to be needed. People just see how hard I work, see how much I care about winning, how much I care about the franchise. And, you know, he's a more reserved guy. Of course, he's talented on the court, that's what he does, but he was just telling me that's a way for me to step up and lead and be vocal."
Embiid's encouragement of Maxey is not a deferral of leadership, nor does it stem from some lack of interest in leading; it's actually an example of his leadership. Embiid, for better and sometimes worse, is self-aware. While he may not always have an interest in changing what the public perceives to be a flaw, he knows well enough when someone else is better suited to provide the team with something it needs.
Some players respond well to Maxey's high-energy, intense training methods, and there are some who respond well to Embiid's often one-on-one, conversation-based leadership. Often, players respond well to both.
The Sixers' leadership structure may be a bit unusual, but they've covered the bases of what they feel they need to create a winning environment, and that's not by doing the same things the team has done over the past decade or so, but by evolving, adapting, and growing together.
