Philadelphia – In the final preseason game before the regular season tip‑off next week, Sixers center Joel Embiid made it clear that the team’s new roster will operate without demanding that its marquee players sacrifice their style of play.
Embidding on a “do what you do best” approach
After the Sixers’ preseason finale on Friday, Embiid told reporters, “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 back seat.” The comment came as the Sixers fielded a star‑laden line‑up that includes recent acquisitions Jaylen Brown and LeBron James, alongside longtime Philadelphia natives Tyrese Maxey and Embiid himself.
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iid finished the exhibition with 27 points, eight rebounds and a highlight‑reel dunk, showing the kind of mid‑season form the team hopes to sustain. Brown noted that the squad still needs to smooth out spacing issues that led to turnovers, while James echoed Embiid’s optimism, saying the group is still working on rhythm and “kinks” as they head into the regular season.
New pieces added to a championship‑ready roster
The Sixers entered the offseason with a blockbuster trade that sent Jaylen Brown to Philadelphia as the centerpiece. In free agency, LeBron James chose the Sixers after weighing several options, adding veteran leadership and a championship pedigree to a roster that already boasts Maxey and Embiid, both of whom have spent their entire NBA careers in the city.
Coach Nick Nurse, who took over the Sixers last season, said the preseason games offered a glimpse of how the new group can blend its talents. “We’re not where we want to be yet,” Nurse said, “but it’s a part of coming together, a new group with a bunch of guys, different style, but we just got to keep getting better every day.”
Looking ahead to the season opener
The 2026‑27 NBA season begins on Tuesday with three marquee matchups, including the Sixers’ visit to Madison Square Garden to face the reigning champion New York Knicks. Fans in Philadelphia will be watching closely to see whether the team can translate preseason promise into a deep playoff run.
While the roster now features a blend of home‑grown talent and high‑profile acquisitions, Embiid’s message underscores a philosophy that the Sixers will let each star play to his strengths rather than force a collective sacrifice. That approach aligns with the team’s stated goal of fostering a supportive environment where players can excel without compromising their individual games.
As the regular season approaches, the Sixers aim to build chemistry, address the spacing concerns highlighted by Brown, and capitalize on the veteran experience brought by James. If the team can maintain the confidence expressed by its leaders, Philadelphia could see another strong push toward the NBA title.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
