Report: Tyrese Maxey called out Joel Embiid in 76ers team meeting

May 5, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia 76ers guard Tyrese Maxey (0) against the Boston Celtics during game three of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Wells Fargo Center. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

The Philadelphia 76ers held a team meeting after they lost their fourth consecutive game on Monday night, and Tyrese Maxey reportedly used the opportunity to issue a challenge to Joel Embiid.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, veteran guard Kyle Lowry organized a team meeting following the Sixers’ 106-89 loss to the Miami Heat at Kaseya Center in Miami, Fla. Players and coaches spoke during the meeting and tried to hold themselves and each other accountable for the team’s 2-11 start.

At one point during the session, Maxey called out Embiid for being late “for everything” this season and urged the former MVP to be on time for team activities. Maxey told Embiid that Embiid’s tardiness has impacted the locker room. Embiid, who has a close friendship with Maxey, was said to be receptive to the criticism.

One source told ESPN that Maxey “loves Big Fella” but that the star point guard felt he needed to address “the elephant in the room.”

Sixers players also told head coach Nick Nurse that they want to be coached harder. The coaching staff told players they want the team to practice with more attention to detail.

While Embiid accepted the feedback he received, he expressed that he is sometimes confused by what the 76ers are trying to execute on the court, according to Charania.

Embiid had 11 points and 8 rebounds in 31 minutes against the Heat. He played after being listed as doubtful due to an illness.

Maxey has not played since Nov. 7 due to a hamstring injury. Embiid has played in just three games, and Paul George had now made seven appearances after missing the start of the season with a knee injury.

While health has been a big issue for the 76ers this season, there have also been plenty of off-court distractions. Perhaps Monday night’s meeting will help prevent some of that going forward.