Philadelphia 76ers star player, Joel Embiid, has responded to recent criticisms from former teammate James Harden regarding his role in the offense during his time with the team. The controversy arose after Harden, who recently joined the Los Angeles Clippers, claimed that he felt restrained in Philadelphia's system, stating, "I'm not a system player, I am a system."

Embiid, known for his dominant presence on the court, addressed Harden's comments while acknowledging his greatness as a player. "In my opinion, we gave him the ball every single possession because he's really good," Embiid told reporters, defending the team's approach. With the 76ers having the NBA's third-ranked offense last season, Embiid argued that both he and Harden were integral to the team's success.

The seven-foot center emphasized that Harden was provided with ample freedom to make plays and decisions as a skilled passer. "We'd give him the ball every single possession to just go out and, you know, do his thing," Embiid explained. He also noted that while Harden had the option to create opportunities for his teammates or focus on his own scoring, the team afforded him the necessary space for his individual style.

Embiid expressed relief that the situation has now concluded after Harden's departure. While the two players expressed mutual respect, Embiid did not shy away from his competitive spirit, stating, "I hope we both make the Finals, but he's on the losing side of it, and we are on the winning side of it."

He also touched on Harden's new team, the Los Angeles Clippers, cautioning the former Houston Rockets star that he may face challenges in being the sole focal point in a lineup that includes Kawhi Leonard, Paul George, and Russell Westbrook. Embiid implied that Harden's expectations of being the dominant force in Los Angeles could lead to a "rude awakening."

Meanwhile, the Philadelphia 76ers have shown promising results without Harden, starting the season with a record of 3-1. Embiid's comments alluded to the team embracing a different dynamic without Harden's presence, allowing young guard Tyrese Maxey to flourish and showcase All-Star potential.

As the season progresses, the NBA will continue to watch how both Harden and the 76ers fare in their respective paths. With the ongoing debate surrounding Harden's preferred role and the chemistry of the newly-formed Clippers lineup, the league remains captivated by the narratives that unfold on the court.

In the end, Joel Embiid's response to James Harden's criticism highlights the delicate balance between individual freedom and team dynamics in professional basketball. It serves as a reminder that success requires not only great players but also the ability to adapt and coexist within the framework of a team's system.