Joel Embiid rejects star sacrifice narrative as Philadelphia 76ers roster expands

Joel Embiid scored 27 points in the Philadelphia 76ers preseason finale and rejected claims that the team's star players must sacrifice their roles, according to Fox News and CBS Sports. The comments come after Philadelphia added Jaylen Brown through a trade and signed LeBron James in free agency this offseason. They join a lineup alongside Embiid and Tyrese Maxey. [1][2]

Fox News reported that Embiid stated he is against the concept of forcing stars to make major sacrifices or alter their playing styles. CBS Sports added that Embiid spoke after the Friday game, countering comparisons to past superteams where players had to take a back seat. [1][2]

The seven-foot center was drafted third overall by the 76ers in 2014 after playing for the Kansas Jayhawks [6]. He is a seven-time NBA All-Star, the 2023 NBA Most Valuable Player, and won a gold medal with the 2024 United States Olympic team [6]. [6]

The 76ers are entering the NBA regular season with projected title hopes after building a star-studded lineup around their long-time core, Fox News and CBS Sports reported. [1][2]