The Philadelphia 76ers find themselves in the spotlight once again—not for a blockbuster trade or playoff run, but for internal friction, rising talent, and fan frustrations. In this week’s Sixers mailbag, we dive into Joel Embiid’s recent comments, VJ Edgecombe’s impressive return, Paul George’s injury, and what the team must do to rebuild trust.
Joel Embiid Sends a Message: “Trust Is Broken”
In a candid ESPN feature titled “Joel Embiid sees you,” the Sixers’ superstar center revealed his struggles with the organization, particularly about coming back from injuries too soon and a lack of trust with leadership. These statements weren’t just eye-opening—they were a red flag for a franchise already dealing with the fallout of the James Harden saga.
Fans and analysts alike noted how Embiid’s words painted a picture of a franchise stuck in its old ways. Despite leadership changes since the Sam Hinkie era, the same criticisms—poor culture, lack of accountability, and mishandled injuries—continue to haunt the Sixers.
Is Embiid Ready for Opening Night?
It’s the burning question: will Joel Embiid suit up for the season opener? The seven-time All-Star had surgery on his left knee and has since emphasized not rushing back. That signals a major shift—Embiid is now setting his own timeline, not the team’s.
Last season, Embiid followed the Sixers’ cautious return plan, only to stumble in his season debut. This year, fans can expect a different approach. Whether that means a late return or an unexpected early comeback like in the 2023 playoffs, only Embiid knows. But make no mistake—he’s in control now.
Rebuilding Fan Trust: Winning is the Only Way
Since the James Harden fallout, many fans have grown disillusioned with the Sixers’ leadership. The recurring theme? Mistrust. From front office moves to lack of transparency, the bond between the organization and its base has frayed.
Can it be repaired? Possibly—but only through winning.
A championship run led by Embiid, Paul George, and Tyrese Maxey would silence critics. However, without that success, fans are unlikely to forgive past missteps unless ownership and leadership see a complete overhaul.
VJ Edgecombe: Summer League Star on the Rise
After a 10-day absence due to a thumb injury, rookie guard VJ Edgecombe returned to Summer League action and immediately turned heads. His standout performance against the Utah Jazz was followed by a second-half scoring burst (17 points) against the Wizards in the NBA 2K26 Summer League.
Edgecombe’s energy, confidence, and scoring instincts suggest he could develop into a key rotation player. While he’s not ready to run the offense full-time, his playmaking upside is promising.
Is Edgecombe the Future at Point Guard?
Some fans are already wondering: should Edgecombe be the starting point guard?
The short answer? Not yet.
Edgecombe’s skillset leans more toward scoring than distributing. True point guards must manage tempo, facilitate, and make others better. While Edgecombe can initiate offense, he’s not a traditional “floor general” at this point. For now, Tyrese Maxey remains the Sixers’ best option at the one, while veteran Kyle Lowry offers backup leadership despite his age.
Mark Armstrong Shows Promise Too
Don’t overlook Mark Armstrong. The 6’2″ guard showed flashes of brilliance in limited Summer League minutes. His scoring outbursts, including 18 first-half points against the Mavericks, have drawn attention. While he may not land with the Sixers, Armstrong has likely earned a shot at a two-way contract or overseas opportunity.
Final Thoughts: A Pivotal Season Ahead
The Philadelphia 76ers face more than just on-court challenges. Joel Embiid’s pointed words suggest a fractured relationship with team leadership, while fans remain skeptical post-Harden. Yet amid the turmoil, VJ Edgecombe offers hope for the future.
To change the narrative, the Sixers must do more than talk—they must win. Because right now, actions speak louder than promises.
