The Philadelphia 76ers were at the center of the offseason conversation after two significant moves shook up the NBA landscape. The trade to acquire Jaylen Brown from the Boston Celtics and the signing of future Hall of Famer LeBron James created a roster that looked incredible on paper. However, could four players who typically played with the ball in their hands coexist on one roster? The 76ers answered that question, at least partially, with an opening-night win over the reigning-champion New York Knicks.

Philly's new core of Brown, James, Joel Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and VJ Edgecombe didn't just show it was possible; each player showed they've bought into a fully selfless style of play—and the results showed. The Sixers' 106-100 road win over the Knicks on ring night for New York came with a balanced attack: all five starters attempted 10-plus field goals, scored nine or more points, and everyone else filled the box score.

The style of play was especially unique for Brown and Embiid, and after the game, the latter made a declaration that proved he's more bought in than ever. Embiid spoke specifically about defense, stating he's going to return to his All-Defense form in a way that can "change everything" for the Sixers," as ESPN's Kris Rhim revealed.

"I think just we have the talent," Embiid said. "...I think a lot of it falls on me. I put it on me. If I want to be All-Defense like I used to be, that changes everything for our team. So if I can play that way every single night, which I will, changes everything."

The comments were telling by Embiid, and he backed them up with his play on the floor during the opening-night victory.

How Joel Embiid backed up his 'All-Defense' comments in 76ers' win over Knicks

Embiid is used to being the centerpiece of the 76ers' offensive game plan, or at the very least, being either option 1A or 1B alongside Maxey. But his focus on playing at an "All-Defense" level showed on Tuesday night. Among the five starters, Embiid scored the second-fewest points (13), ahead of only the team's Swiss Army knife in Edgecombe.

However, his defense was notable. Embiid finished the game with 13 points, 11 rebounds and six assists, but most importantly, he added three blocks and two steals. His +13 net rating was the second-highest on the Sixers, behind only Brown's +17.

If Embiid can keep elevating his play on the defensive end, it will make life easier for his teammates across the board and help deliver results like the road win that surprised many on Tuesday night. It's a big statement from the longtime Sixers star, but it's not one that's out of the realm of possibility.