The Philadelphia 76ers are grappling with a shocking start to their season, dropping a staggering 11 of their first 13 games. The organization hasn’t had any internal conversations regarding the job security of head coach Nick Nurse or president of basketball operations Daryl Morey, according to multiple league sources.

Their latest setback came with a 106-89 loss against the Miami Heat, leading to a tense team meeting afterward. Star player Tyrese Maxey, sidelined since November 7 with a hamstring injury, confronted Joel Embiid in front of the team, pressuring him to lead by example. Reports suggest Maxey said, "Joel, you know I love you. But it starts with you, and your habits." This public challenge highlights the importance of team dynamics, especially in a season where the Sixers have struggled to find their footing.

Embiid and new addition Paul George, who signed a lucrative four-year, $212 million contract last summer, have both faced setbacks from injuries, which have kept them from contributing as expected. Furthermore, Embiid faced a suspension earlier in the season for an altercation with a columnist, which only added to the mounting scrutiny on both him and the team.

With a roster boasting significant talent, including Nurse—who led the Toronto Raptors to an NBA Championship in 2019—the Sixers face an uphill battle. Historically, only eight teams have started a season this poorly and still made the playoffs, making their current trajectory concerning.

The organization is expecting all involved, including Embiid, Nurse, and Morey, to reflect on their roles in reversing their fortunes. Sources indicate the need for enhanced team chemistry, emphasizing that while Embiid and Maxey maintain a strong friendship, it’s crucial for Embiid to refine his leadership skills. Maxey's message during the meeting underscored the expectation that Embiid must demonstrate improved habits on and off the court.

On the court, improvement will rely heavily on the trio of Embiid, Maxey, and George finding their rhythm together. Yet, players like Eric Gordon and Reggie Jackson—brought in to add veteran presence—have underperformed, leaving the team vulnerable. Maxey is expected to return soon, injecting some much-needed energy into the lineup.

While Embiid is known to be a slow starter, the gravity of the situation does not afford the 76ers the luxury of time. His ongoing management of left knee issues complicates his return to peak performance, leading the team to rely on game experience for him to regain his form.

The rift isn’t solely attributed to Embiid’s personal struggles; the entire team has to step up. The 76ers currently rank as the worst shooting team in the league and hover near the bottom in rebounding statistics. Although rookie Jared McCain has shown promise, depth has become a glaring issue amidst injuries.

All eyes are now on how the 76ers develop from this tumultuous start. Can they turn things around and make a push toward postseason contention? As the season unfolds, fans are left wondering if the team can rise above adversity and if Nurse and Morey remain the right leaders for the job.

Stay tuned as we follow the 76ers' journey this season – it’s bound to be a rollercoaster!