Joel Embiid has interesting take on 76ers stars needing to sacrifice

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Joel Embiid has interesting take on 76ers stars needing to sacrifice

By Paul White | Last updated Oct 17, 2026 12:04 PM ET

The unprecedented concentration of talent on one team is a trend that has existed across multiple eras of the NBA. The Boston Celtics had a roster full of Hall of Famers in the 1960s, while the same could be said about the Los Angeles Lakers’ starting five in the 1980s.

Then the super team era was ushered in a couple of decades later, but the common theme on all of those teams was sacrifice. It’s hard for every player to perform at the highest level when so many superstars surround them, so they are forced to tailor their game to the collective.

The Philadelphia 76ers should be no different, a team that now features forwards LeBron James and Jaylen Brown in addition to center Joel Embiid. It’s one of the most talented rosters ever assembled, but the big man has a unique perspective on how the team will operate.

Joel Embiid rejects the idea of sacrifice despite 76ers’ rare star power

“I’m against the concept of sacrificing … I don’t think anyone has to take a backseat,” said Embiid.

Joel Embiid on this team needing to sacrifice:

"I'm against the concept of sacrificing. I think the way I explained it was you do what you do best and we're going to support you. ... I don't think anybody has to take a backseat."
— Kris Rhim (@krisrhim1) October 17, 2026

James and Brown have spoken constantly about the importance of sacrificing to put everyone in the best position to succeed, so this is a much different tone from the 76ers. However, Embiid spoke about everyone doing what they do best, so it’s possible he just doesn’t want his teammates giving up the things that make them special.

James praised the former MVP’s greatness after the game, so it’s clear that the quote hasn’t affected the locker room. Everyone will see just how much sacrifice is going on in Philadelphia on Tuesday night when the team takes on the New York Knicks in its regular season opener.

Paul White

Paul White is a contract writer from Philadelphia who attended Penn State University. He has contributed hundreds of stories about the NFL and NBA over the years and now brings that experience over to Yardbarker. He is a lifelong Philadelphia sports fan looking to bring the same passion from his city to sports media.

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