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.

“I’ve been saying it all year; I feel like leadership coming from Joel has been on another level this year,” Maxey explained. “His talk, the way he’s been able to push us as a team. He’s raised his level of play so we didn’t have to raise ours, and that’s our best player, but the way he’s been vocal about it, telling guys he needs them to step up because he’s trusted us as far as when he gets doubled and triple-teamed, he’s passing out of doubles quick, getting us open shots because he wants us to be successful. He continues to do it even when we’re missing shots. So, I think that just the leadership showing. His leadership and his growth as a player.”

Embiid’s been recognized as the Sixers’ cornerstone player since he took the floor for them, and that’s remained the case for years. In past seasons, Embiid might’ve relied too much on himself to play hero ball rather than trusting his teammates in critical situations.

So far, this playoff run has been different. With Embiid drawing more attention than ever on the offensive end, he’s accepted that he can’t be a one-man band. The 2023 NBA Playoffs have shown that Embiid trusts his teammates, which goes hand-in-hand with his growth as a leader.

“It’s something that I’ve pushed since I’ve been here,” Doc Rivers added. “The more the best player becomes that, the better the team becomes. I used it the other day with Jalen Hurts being the CEO of his team, that’s what Joel has to be at times. Every once in a while, that was exactly said in one of my timeouts the other night that you have to say it. You have to do it, and he’s urged to do it. It’s not a natural thing, but he’s doing it, and it’s been great for us.”

After averaging a league-leading 33 points in 66 games during the regular season, Embiid’s seen his numbers drop through the Sixers’ first two playoff matchups so far.

Averaging 35 minutes on the court in Games 1 and 2 against the Nets, Embiid has put up just 23 points per game. He’s not getting his standard numbers, but he’s standing out in other areas of the game, acting as a playmaker and being a critical defensive presence.

“When Joel is more demanding it is a good thing,” Rivers explained. “Sometimes even if it doesn’t work he has to handle that well, too. I think that’s where he’s gotten so much better. He doesn’t get frustrated, and he doesn’t get frustrated at his teammates. … Listen, the best part of being a leader or a coach at times is listening, too. I think it all comes into play. It’s all good for your team.”

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.