Joel Embiid has strong words for Sixers culture post-James Harden era
After a summer riddled with uncertainty and unease, the Philadelphia 76ers have firmly put the James Harden saga in the rearview mirror and aren't looking back.
With a three-point victory over the Boston Celtics on Wednesday, the Sixers extended their win streak to six games, taking firm control of first place in the Eastern Conference. Finger-pointing from pundits of dysfunction within the Sixers organization has suddenly ceased, as Philadelphia looks the part of a legitimate contender with reigning MVP Joel Embiid leading the charge.
Speaking with reporters after the win at Wells Fargo Center, Embiid credited the Sixers' team-first mentality and its ability to integrate new faces into their rotation seamlessly this season.
"I think it's a lot of credit to the culture that we have. No one has an ego on this team," Embiid said. "Guys are unselfish, the ball is moving no matter if the shots are going in or not. Guys are just happy, just worried about the right things — which is to win. That's the only thing that matters and that's the only thing that should matter."
While the Harden ship sailed long before the Sixers ultimately sent him to Los Angeles, the chatter of Embiid growing impatient in Philadelphia had also risen this offseason.
Nevertheless, Embiid and the Sixers look to be in a good place entering the In-Season Tournament. Embiid is averaging 30-plus PPG for the third consecutive season, while the stellar play of Tyrese Maxey (25.4 PPG) and free-agent steal Kelly Oubre Jr. (17.4 PPG) have eased concerns over the lack of a second star in the wake of the Harden trade.
While the team may lack the name power of years past, the Sixers look well-equipped to snap their three-year streak of failing to escape the conference semifinals this season.
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