Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid. Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

76ers star Joel Embiid takes subtle shot at ex-head coach Doc Rivers

Joel Embiid is enjoying the Philadelphia 76ers' new style of play. New head coach Nick Nurse wants the Sixers to embrace ball movement. Embiid has previously been used as an isolation player, both above the break and in the post. Last season, the Sixers would take turns running isolation plays for Embiid and James Harden.

Doc Rivers was fired by the 76ers after their playoff elimination. Rivers hasn't led a team to a championship since the 2008 Boston Celtics. Rivers relies heavily on his star talents, often overlooking role players within his system. 

“I think I’ve always wanted to play that way,” Embiid told Keith Pompey of the Philadelphia Inquirer. “I never liked just being an iso player. I don’t think that’s the right way to play, and I don’t think that’s the right way to win. So I like the system... Isn’t all about me, like today there were a couple of passes. Guys weren’t expecting it, and I’m telling them, I’m like, ‘When you cut, you got to cut hard. You got to cut to mean it. And you got to be ready to receive the ball.’”

Tobias Harris and Tyrese Maxey could thrive in a more team-centric system. Embiid's scoring gravity will create opportunities for his teammates. If the MVP big man can draw attention in the post, the Sixers will have exceptional perimeter spacing. Embiid's comments on his team's new style of play could be construed as a slight dig toward Rivers, despite that system earning him an MVP award. 

Nevertheless, Embiid has been vocal about his desire to win a championship. Team-centric basketball is part of the modern recipe for success. Even the Golden State Warriors embrace selfless ball movement despite Steph Curry's presence in the rotation.  The Sixers may need time to adjust to Nurse's system. They will also need to navigate Harden's trade request situation.

Yet, with Embiid leading the line and a commitment to selfless basketball, Philadelphia could re-emerge as contenders in the East before the regular season ends. 

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