76ers Rave About Joel Embiid’s Leadership in 2023 NBA Playoffs

The Philadelphia 76ers love what they’ve seen out of their leader Joel Embiid in the 2023 NBA Playoffs.

Being a leader on a playoff-caliber team isn’t for everybody. And just because a player is a star on their team doesn’t mean they automatically inherit the leadership trait.

Some players have it naturally — others have to work at it. For Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid he’s been building up his leadership skills since taking the court for the first time years ago.

At this point in Embiid’s career, he’s at an all-time high in several areas. Playing the actual game itself, Embiid has done everything he can to elevate his skill set and is potentially set to become the NBA MVP for the first time in his career after being in the conversation for the last two seasons.

But it’s not just Embiid’s MVP-caliber play that earns him praise from his team. It’s also the big man’s progression as a vocal presence on the Sixers.

Following a practice session on Wednesday afternoon, Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey discussed Philadelphia’s mindset and plans for their Game 3 matchup against the Brooklyn Nets, which is set to take place on Thursday night on the road. 

While talking about the tools needed to continue winning in the postseason, Maxey went on to acknowledge the progression in Embiid’s on-court leadership, which is something that Sixers head coach Doc Rivers felt the need to chime in on as well.

Joel Embiid and the Sixers hold a 2-0 lead over the Nets going into Game 3. As the Nets reach a zone of desperation, the Thursday night battle becomes the most important yet for both teams. 

For Brooklyn, they need to avoid getting pinned down 0-3, a historically proven record that’s a seal of fate. On the Sixers’ side, Embiid needs to make sure his team remains humble and prepared. Although a 2-0 lead is comfortable, the Sixers can’t allow themselves to fall asleep at the wheel.

As a leader, it will be on Embiid to ensure his team keeps its foot on the gas.