Embiid’s opening performance against the Bucks was worrying, terrible body language throughout and sulked his way to a loss with sloppy turnovers and missed shots in a close game.

I think we all excused this due to the Harden situation and it being opening night, and Embiid quite famously does not often start seasons well.

Since then, it has mostly been fine amidst the blowouts and winning streaks. I have already noticed though in both games against the Pacers that his usual habits are beginning to show, bad body language, sulking and being sloppy late in games. His missed shots and dunk yesterday are one thing, but his effort on the defensive end after was embarrasing.

Last year, we saw PJ take the role of picking Embiid up, motivating him and holding him responsible with the Celtics playoff game being the most notable example. I’m concerned that we don’t really have that personality this year, maybe Pat Bev but he doesn’t quite seem to command the same respect around the league. In the playoffs when he isn’t getting tbe same calls, he falls into the habit every year of sulking and disassociation and is a large reason why his performances haven’t translated.

Embiid is closing on 30, is an MVP and the leader of this team. At a certain point, he needs to realise this if he ever wants to achieve success from a personal and team standpoint he needs to be grow up as a leader. When you look around the league of players of similar calibre, they all do this, and not behave like a rookie and require role players to hold you accountable. Maxey puts in maximum effort every night on both ends, despite the team, score or referee calls, its about time Embiid holds himself to a similar standard.