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DeMarcus Cousins is right to question Joel Embiid's focus
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid. Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

DeMarcus Cousins is right to question Joel Embiid's focus

Joel Embiid isn't emerging as a leader during the Philadelphia 76ers' time of need. Instead, the former MVP is focusing on holding accountable a potential leak within the franchise. That same leak is how we know Tyrese Maxey attempted to hold Embiid accountable for his approach to begin the season.

The Sixers are sitting 14th in the Eastern Conference at 3-13 as of Wednesday. For a team that added Paul George this summer, they're teetering on the brink of disaster. Former NBA big man DeMarcus Cousins believes Embiid is placing his focus in the wrong place. His comments came during a recent appearance on FanDuel TV's "Run It Back."

“I think Joel's focus is in the wrong place,” Cousins said. “F--- who the rat is right now. Your team is struggling, y'all look horrible this season. It's a lot of negativity coming your way from the media, from the organization, from your teammates. It's just time to right the ship. Let's get back to the foundation which is playing basketball. Go lock in, win some games … They have more than enough time, they are in the East, it's a top heavy conference."

It's easy to confuse talent with leadership. Just because a player is the most talented on a roster, it doesn't mean they're the biggest leader within the locker room. Philadelphia must stop looking toward Embiid to lead it out of its current struggle. He has never been the guy that rolls up his sleeves and galvanizes his teammates. 

Until Nick Nurse and the coaching staff can pinpoint a true leader, and Embiid accepts that's not where his strength lies, the Sixers will struggle to break out of their current funk. Embiid should be focused on being the dominant big man he is, and helping his team win games. The fact he's more concerned with a potential leak speaks volumes about his current mindset.

We're still early into the season. Things could change. But right now, Embiid's time with the Sixers looks to be running out, and maybe that's best for everyone involved. 

Adam Taylor

Adam Taylor is a sports journalist based out of the UK. Adam has been covering the NBA for nearly a decade with a core focus on the Boston Celtics. He currently holds bylines with Yardbarker, SB Nation and USA Today

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