Tyrese Haliburton Confirms Heartbreaking Joel Embiid Report After Befriending Sixers Star

Embiid and Indiana Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton were controversial members of the United States’ olympic basketball team last summer. It was there where they formed an unlikely friendship that still lasts to this day, which isn’t a common occurrence in Embiid’s life.

Haliburton spoke earlier this summer about his friendship with the Sixers star, who was helping his buddy navigate a devastating Achilles tear he suffered in the deciding game seven of the NBA Finals. Knowing what we know about Embiid now, the fact that he cultivated a friendship with someone he hardly knows seems foreign, even Haliburton seems to think so.

This statement from the two-time All-Star just confirms that the feature on Embiid was the truth. It’s tough to get him to open up to anyone, so the fact that he willingly calls to chat and check in with Haliburton means that he has an unfathomable amount of trust in him.

What it Means for Embiid Going Forward

Embiid, who plays through injury nearly every season, is still fighting the effects of a knee injury he suffered in first round of the playoffs against the New York Knicks in 2024. Even with his story being shared and his public perception beginning to shift, Embiid still carries the weight of an entire city on his back.

The end of the story featured an important conversation between Embiid and teammate Tyrese Maxey, where the two shared a laugh about the former MVP not breaking through and winning a championship in his career. It was a nice switch from the self-loathing, low self esteem gentle giant he had been portrayed as.

That little laugh is the final piece of hope the Sixers fanbase has to cling onto. Embiid is beloved in Philadelphia, and he still plans on doing everything in his power to return a championship to the city.