Joel Embiid rejects idea 76ers stars must 'take a back seat' as NBA regular season looms
Sixers Gear Up for 2026‑27 Season With Star‑Studded Roster and Fresh Beginnings
Philadelphia — The 76ers’ roster is a veritable who's‑who of the NBA, and the team is looking poised to chase another championship. After a blockbuster trade brought in Jaylen Brown and a free‑agency signing secured LeBron James, the club’s lineup features the likes of Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and the two players who have spent their entire NBA careers in Philadelphia.
A New Powerhouse
Brown arrived in a trade that also included a hefty draft package, making him the centerpiece of Philadelphia’s offseason rebuild. LeBron James, after weighing options with several teams, chose to stay in the city for the 2026‑27 season, citing the opportunity to join a championship‑contending squad.
Maxey and Embiid have been one‑team players since being drafted, and the duo’s chemistry has been a staple of the franchise’s recent success. “We’re a couple of weeks in, so we’re still working on our rhythm, working on our kinks, and it’s not going to be perfect,” James said after Friday’s preseason finale. “We’re getting there.”
No Sacrifices, Just Support
Despite questions about whether all of the stars can be satisfied, Embiid maintained that the team can win without forcing anyone to alter their playing style or take a back seat. “I’m against the concept of sacrificing,” he said. “You do what you do best, and we’re going to support you… I don’t think anybody has to take a back seat.”
In the preseason game, Embiid delivered a dominant performance, scoring 27 points, grabbing eight rebounds, and delivering a highlight‑reel dunk that underscored his mid‑season form. Maxey also showcased his scoring touch, while Brown noted that spacing issues had led to turnovers as the lineup worked on getting in sync.
“We’re not where we want to be yet,” Brown remarked. “That’s part of coming together, a new group with a bunch of guys, different style, but we just got to keep getting better every day.”
The 76ers fell 125‑120 in an overtime loss to the Boston Celtics in the final exhibition of the preseason. While the loss was a disappointment, the game provided a snapshot of how the team might look once the regular season begins next Tuesday.
Season Kickoff and Big Matchups
The 2026‑27 NBA season will officially commence on Tuesday, with the Sixers hosting the reigning champions, the New York Knicks, at Madison Square Garden. That high‑profile matchup will be one of the league’s marquee games to open the season, as the 76ers look to test themselves against the best.
LeBron James, fresh from his free‑agency decision, is eager to make an impact. “We’re getting there,” James added, echoing Brown’s sentiment that the group is still finding its rhythm. The pair’s optimism signals a hopeful outlook for a franchise that has long been a contender.
Looking Forward
With a roster that combines veteran leadership from James and Embiid with the dynamic play of Maxey and Brown, the Sixers are in a strong position to compete. The preseason showcased both the talent and the areas needing improvement, such as spacing and ball movement. As the regular season begins, the focus will be on ironing out those kinks and building chemistry among the star‑studded lineup.
Fans across the state and beyond will be watching closely as Philadelphia’s 76ers set out to reclaim the championship, starting with a showdown against the Knicks in the storied arena of Madison Square Garden. The season promises drama, excitement, and the potential for another title run from a team that has proven it can be one of the league’s elite.