New comments from Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid just days before their season opener are more proof that fans should be prepared for drama in the Philly locker room in 2026-27.

After being embarrassed by the defending champion New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference semifinals, the 76ers front office knew they had to make changes. However, with an expensive payroll, that was going to be difficult. And then the Boston Celtics handed them a gift.

To the shock of many, the Celtics were willing to trade All-Star Jaylen Brown to the Sixers for a broken-down version of Paul George and a couple of first-round picks. That move then had a ripple effect and made LeBron James view Philadelphia differently as he listened to offers in free agency. Eventually, he decided to join up with the team on a low-budget contract.

Adding Brown and James to a team with Embiid, young All-Star Tyrese Maxey, and second-year two-way talent VJ Edgecombe makes the 76ers one of the most interesting teams in the NBA this season. On paper, they can be amazing. However, NBA fans have seen in the past that sometimes super teams just don’t work. And considering the egos on this 76ers team, there is reason to believe they could be the next super team to disappoint.

Joel Embiid doesn’t seem ready to sacrifice for the Philadelphia 76ers success

Well, on Friday night after their final game of the preseason, Embiid gave fans another reason to be concerned about the 2026-27 edition of the 76ers.

“I’m against the concept of sacrificing. I think the way I explained it was you do what you do best, and we’re going to support you… I don’t think anybody has to take a back seat.”

Despite being in the sport for 10 seasons and being an onlooker on his journey to becoming a pro, it seems like the seven-time All-Star is hoping to deny the truth. While it would be great if all the multi-time All-Stars on a super team could put up their usual numbers, it simply isn’t reality. On a team with two clear stars, sure. But the 76ers don’t have that.

Sure, James is 41, but he was an All-Star for the 22nd straight season, 2025-26. In theory, he seems like the player who can take a big step back and play like a “glue guy,” but NBA pundits will believe it when they see it. Tyrese Maxey should be the face of the franchise and be the No. 1 scoring option, but his nice mentality may make him subconsciously play below his potential for the veterans on his team.

Brown had the greatest season of his career in 2025-26 but was traded because his mercurial personality wore out his welcome in Boston. Is he really going to sacrifice after admitting he had the most fun of his career after being the No. 1 guy last season? Embiid should be the one who sacrifices the most and does whatever is needed after injuries have taken away his greatness. But his comments sure make it seem like he isn’t willing to do that.

Buckle up, 76ers fans, because this is sure to be a very interesting first half in Philadelphia as head coach Nick Nurse tried to make this all work.