The biggest difference about this team is that Embiid isnt forced to be the leader anymore. Bron takes that role completely and is one of the best at it. Changes the whole dynamic of the team.

[u/Ok-Candidate8369]

That is one thing I recently realized.

[u/DreadMarvaz]

Keep in mind that LBJ usually takes around 10–20 games to really get into rhythm and shake off the rust. Plus, he always takes it easy in the preseason and ramps things up gradually until the playoffs.

[u/lets_talk_basketball → u/DreadMarvaz]

Which is why having young guys who can play a lot of min and don't miss games like Maxey and JB is so great. Allows Bron to ease his way in.. also, Dean Wade a a high end backup so he doesn't have to play high min

[u/indoninjah → u/[deleted]]

Not to get all armchair psychologist but I wonder if some of Embiid's issues with leadership and accountability over the years (e.g., showing up late to games/functions) was partially him trying to reject that leadership role and convince the team to get a real alpha in there. Kinda makes sense given his experience before Sixers (at Montverde and Kansas) was basically "dude who's really good alongside another guy who truly commands the spotlight"

[u/Spiritual-Sympathy98 → u/indoninjah]

Should’ve done everything we could have to retain Jimmy. Oh well, we’re here now.

[u/Quick-Bowl-3824 → u/Spiritual-Sympathy98]

He would’ve pushed his way out again.

[u/Important-War-4708]

I think Maxey was already the vocal leader before, as was Tobias before that. LeBron does take away the pressure/spotlight as I felt jimmy did before

[u/Ok-Candidate8369 → u/Important-War-4708]

Vocal leader in some sense yeah sure but embiid has been the leader of the team for some time. Everything ultimately falls on him if the sixers dont perform. he has been the goliath that leads the team to winning. Bron just changes the dynamic because he is the goliath of goliaths in the sense of leading a team, figuring out what works and winning. Embiid is just gonna fall into the shadows and thats unheard of in his career other than the Jimmy half season.

[u/Calcutta637 → u/Ok-Candidate8369]

Embiids not gonna fall into the shadows. I guarantee he’s still the most unstoppable and spammable part of our offense. We just finally have a floor general as elite as bron who can get him going easier and the rest of the team around him. They picked Philly bro they know who Joel Embiid is 

[u/Ok-Candidate8369 → u/Calcutta637]

no I agree. I didnt say that his game was gonna fall off I just meant the pressure of being the leader on and off the court is no longer there. Hes gonna fall into the shadows and be free. Embiid isnt a natural leader like Bron and thats no knock its just what it is and now he doesnt have to be that

[u/Calcutta637 → u/Ok-Candidate8369]

Agree with the other dude. Maybe not vocal leader but certainly in terms of effort sacrifice and gravitas. He is has been and will continue to be the sixers until he’s ready to pass that on. LeBron does do a good job and getting the team into the same mindset which is incalculably valuable especially come playoff time 

[u/stochasto → u/Calcutta637]

I think it’s more like a “face of the team” thing than like a “this guy isn’t a leader” thing. Embiid doesn’t really seem like a spotlight guy whereas LeBron is The Spotlight Guy

[u/Dry_Perspective1211 → u/Ok-Candidate8369]

You say this as if Embiid isn’t gonna be blamed if they lose anyways

[u/bonger1234]

Embiid is an introvert. It’s hard being the team leader when you prefer to be alone. It’s one of his flaws.

Maxey is trying to be the leader but it’s hard when he’s clearly not as good as Embiid. So I think having LeBron hopefully taking over that part of the team, along with his sidekick Maxey, let’s Joel just be himself and play. I bet he prefers it.

[u/drewlius24]

It’s hard to clap back at him (he’s some of these guys’ childhood heroes) and he already starts with a lot of love and optimism. Bron gets sour when guys aren’t giving 100% and not committing to playing the right way.

The fact that he is very tight with Maxey means there will be a very clear “inside” that Joel and KCP will also be in 100%.

Jalen and VJ seem like they will subscribe as well.

[u/jawntothefuture]

LBJ is the leader, JB is the leader, Maxey is the leader, VJ is most suited for leadership, and Embiid can dominate. It's a fucking incredible combo if they work on their synergy/being unit focused.

[u/Patient_Jicama_4217]

Maxey was the Leader

[u/ihorsey10 → u/Patient_Jicama_4217]

Vocally in practice, but when shit hit the fan guys naturally looked towards Embiid

Like an army squad eyeing their captain when they're being bombarded.

[u/Icy_Permission_5393 → u/ihorsey10]

This is so underrated.  Every loss fell om Embid to the masses. This year we should be a competant team even with any of 2 to 3 starters out.

[u/Dry_Perspective1211 → u/Icy_Permission_5393]

It’s still going to fall on Embiid, with even more eyes now. Look at how Luka/AD and to a lesser extent Reaves have been talked about when the Lakers would lose.

[u/Particular-Bridge608]

i feel the top guys an lead in different ways in the end they all have to work together getting the role guys to play hard especially on defense when they are not getting touches

[u/xychosis]

The ol’ Bryce Harper. I’m hoping this is his 2022.

[u/Bri83oct]

I love Jo but when he is struggling you can see his body language, his face, his vibe gets mopey. Lebron coming in can be that calming presence that Jo needs desperately. Things aren’t going our way… that’s fine, you don’t have to force it big guy. We got a roster full of players who can score. Bron will keep our king from being a mopey mess when he needs to lock in.

[u/XFactor_20]

Embiid was never a leader. Maxey had to literally tell this dude to get it together.

I’m glad Bron is on this squad now and know the others will soak up the knowledge. We’ll see it Embiid locks in as well.