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Philadelphia's 76ers are contending with a rocky start to the season that has taken everyone by surprise. Despite the team's lackluster 2-11 record, there is currently no intent within the organization to reconsider the roles of Coach Nick Nurse or President of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey, according to league sources. The strain within the team became public following a decisive 106-89 loss to Miami, which prompted a closed-door meeting where injured star Tyrese Maxey confronted Joel Embiid about leadership issues.

Maxey, who has been sidelined since November 7 due to a hamstring injury, expressed his concerns directly to Embiid, emphasizing the latter's role as a team leader. He highlighted Embiid's habitual tardiness to team events, stressing the importance of setting a better example for teammates. Maxey's candid remarks were underpinned by his close relationship with Embiid, suggesting a foundation of trust and mutual respect between the two players.

The difficult start to the season is not solely the result of this team meeting or the absence of key players due to injuries. Embiid and recently signed free agent Paul George, who inked a four-year, $212 million deal, both missed the opening of the season, contributing to the early struggles. The 76ers, who were penalized for their explanations regarding Embiid’s absence, faced additional tumult when Embiid was suspended for three games following an altercation with a Philadelphia columnist.

This high-profile roster, managed by Nurse, who has championship experience with Toronto in 2019, has a slim historical chance of turning the season around and making the playoffs after such a dismal start. The current expectation within the organization is introspection from all members, including Embiid, Nurse, and Morey, to enhance team performance and chemistry. Sources confirm that the relationship between Maxey and Embiid remains intact, and Embiid was largely amenable to Maxey’s critique.

While Maxey underscored the need for better day-to-day leadership and punctuality from Embiid, the team has faced additional struggles on the court. Veteran players like Eric Gordon and Reggie Jackson, added for their complementary skills, have not performed as expected. Embiid’s ongoing management of his left knee injury has limited his contributions, as seen in his recent underwhelming performance against Miami, where he scored merely 11 points and secured eight rebounds in 31 minutes.

George has also been navigating injury setbacks, having played only seven games this season. As the team looks ahead to upcoming games against Memphis and Brooklyn, there is a critical need for Embiid to regain his form quickly. Historically a slow starter, Embiid usually depends on early-season games to get back into shape, but this luxury is no longer feasible given the 76ers' current standing.

Despite the tension highlighted in the team meeting, other players were also held responsible for the lackluster performance, with the 76ers ranking poorly in shooting and rebounding metrics. While rookie Jared McCain has shown promise, the overall depth of the team has failed to mitigate the impact of the ongoing injuries. The internal dynamics and performance in upcoming games will be crucial as Philadelphia strives to salvage their season.