PHILADELPHIA -- The Philadelphia 76ers are expected to be one of the teams contending for a championship in the 2026-27 season. How could they not? A team that features Joel Embiid, LeBron James, Jaylen Brown, Tyrese Maxey, and VJ Edgecombe better be in the mix for a championship. That's just the way this team is built.
However, it will take time to truly find a rhythm. The Sixers have so many new faces playing major roles for this group and they will need time to get everything down pat.
For that reason, the word "sacrifice" has been the operative word among this group. While it will take a lot for it all to work, Embiid isn't trying to hear the word "sacrifice".
"I’m against the concept of sacrifice," Embiid stated. "I think the way I explained
it is, do what you do best, and we’re going to support you. I don’t really believe in sacrifice. I believe in JB and letting him do what he does best. I believe in Tyrese pushing him and letting him do what he does best. Bron, VJ, everybody in this locker room."
To Embiid's point, he doesn't want anybody on this roster limiting themselves. He doesn't want anybody to pull back or limit what they can truly do just for the team concept. The way the Sixers are going to succeed is if everybody steps up, does what they do best, and moves forward. That's the message that the 2023 MVP winner is preaching.
"Like, hey man. We got your back," said Embiid. "Good, bad shot, just make the right play over and over. Let’s play together. So, yeah. I don’t believe in that concept. I don’t think anybody has to take any backseat. If you got a shot, wide open layup, do what you do best. We got your back and then we’ll go from there."
Of course, it helps to have health, which is something Embiid nor the Sixers as a whole have had in the past. It will help that they have that now throughout camp and in the preseason. That is how a team builds cohesion and how they can get the schemes down pat as they move forward.
"Obviously, it’s good to have everybody available," Embiid finished. "We’ve been able to kind of go over what we need to do. Obviously, I won’t get into the details, but we’ve had the necessary time to do stuff offensively and defensively. So, yeah. That’s only gonna help us."
The Sixers will open against the New York Knicks on Tuesday on the road.
This article originally appeared on Sixers Wire: Sixers star Joel Embiid addresses concept of sacrifice for the group
