Joel Embiid’s Disastrous 8 Turnover Preseason Debut Shocks Fans – “Bron Put His Faith In This Man Smh”

Joel Embiid looked rusty and sloppy in his preseason debut on Thursday.

Joel Embiid’s Disastrous 8 Turnover Preseason Debut Shocks Fans – “Bron Put His Faith In This Man Smh”

Joel Embiid (Image credits - Sports Illustrated)

The pressure on Joel Embiid to deliver a championship has never been higher. After a disappointing second-round playoff exit last season, the Philadelphia 76ers front office has done everything it can to build a championship-winning roster around him.

Drafted by the 76ers in 2014, Embiid kickstarted their rebuild and “The Process”. He has been an MVP and a two-time scoring champion, but injuries have taken a huge toll on his career. Since entering the league, he has missed more games than he has played in.

The 76ers began their preseason with a win over the New York Knicks on Monday. But all the attention was on their second preseason game against the Brooklyn Nets, as Embiid, Tyrese Maxey, and LeBron James took the court for the first time ahead of the new season.

All eyes were on how the stars would play together and what the team chemistry would look like. There were plenty of positives, as James combined well with his new teammates in his first game since moving to the 76ers.

However, Embiid’s performance was the biggest disappointment. The big man put on a horrid show, struggling mightily in his preseason. The game ended in a 114-108 loss with Embiid finishing with six points, three rebounds, three assists, and a staggering eight turnovers in 24 minutes of playing time.

One of the main reasons James joined Philly was to help Joel Embiid win a championship. If the 76ers have to have any chance of going all the way, they need their franchise superstar healthy and firing on all cylinders.

Even Embiid is well aware of the expectations heading into the new season. However, his first preseason was not a promising sign as he looked lackluster and sloppy.

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Fans react to Joel Embiid’s sloppy preseason debut against the Nets

Joel Embiid left no stone unturned in his offseason preparations. He was pain-free and brought his weight down to his rookie-year weight.

While it was just a preseason game, the nature of his giveaways was particularly jarring, as he could be seen stumbling around the court and throwing careless passes. After the game, his performance ignited ridicule across social media.

Fans did not hold back after his disastrous performance on Thursday night. If there is one positive to take from the game, it is that he took the court for a preseason game after suiting up in fewer than 40 games in each of the last three seasons.

Joel Embiid ends silence on reports of LeBron James scolding him at practice

One of LeBron James’ main concerns before signing with the 76ers was Embiid’s health. The 32-year-old is coming off another injury-hit season where he made just 38 appearances in the regular season.

LeBron James and Joel Embiid at practice
LeBron James and Joel Embiid at practice (Image via The Aesthetic/X)

During their first preseason game, broadcaster Mike Breen said that Joel Embiid got an earful from James because he was late for practice. James later denied the report and Breen eventually apologized for sharing the story.

However, after the game, Embiid said he had no idea where the recent report about him and James came from while speaking to reporters.

I don’t know where that came from. It never happened. One, it’s not true. And then again it’s like, ‘Why me?’ But I guess I’m Joel Embiid, I’ve been in this situation.

Joel Embiid to the media

The 76ers will play their next two preseason games against the Boston Celtics before their opening-night clash with the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden on October 20. It will be interesting to see whether Embiid plays in the final two preseason games, as managing his health will be paramount to the new-look squad’s chances of maximizing its potential.

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