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Chris Thompson

Joel Embiid Is Persevering, For Good And Ill

Ray Ratto

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 22: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers looks on during the game against the New York Knicks during Round 1 Game 2 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on April 22, 2024 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)

It’s Getting To Joel Embiid

Israel Daramola

Donte DiVincenzo #0 of the New York Knicks reacts after making a three-point shot during the second half against the Philadelphia 76ers in Game Two of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Madison Square Garden on April 22, 2024 in New York City. The Knicks won 104-101.

The Knicks Cannot Die

Albert Burneko

Deuce McBride of the New York Knicks rises up to shoot over Tyrese Maxey of the Philadelphia 76ers.

New York’s Second Unit Chased The 76ers Into The Pain Cave

Luis Paez-Pumar

Nicolas Batum #40 of the Philadelphia 76ers smiles during the game against the Miami Heat during the 2024 NBA Play-In Tournament on April 17, 2024 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Nicolas Batum Ruined My Night

Giri Nathan

Joel Embiid and his teammates on the court.

Joel Embiid Didn’t Get The Officiating Memo

Patrick Redford

Several YouTube screenshots of a screeching JJ Redick

Media Meltdowns

NBA Dead Period Filled By JJ Redick Reacting To Himself Blasting Doc Rivers

Tom Ley

The Sixers And Joel Embiid Are Back In The Bad Times

Joel Embiid with 70 paper; Luka Doncic with 73 paper

The NBA’s Tribute To Minimalist Art

Dan McQuade was a founding member of Defector. He died in January 2026.

Dan McQuade

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 22: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts after being showered with water after defeating the San Antonio Spurs at the Wells Fargo Center on January 22, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Embiid scored a franchise-record 70 points in the game.

Joel Embiid’s Epic Performance Must Be Seen To Be Believed

Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Wells Fargo Center on December 20, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Joel Embiid Will Drive You Nuts

LOS ANGELES, CA - NOVEMBER 12: Paul George #13 of the LA Clippers and James Harden #1 of the LA Clippers look on during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on November 12, 2023 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Adam Pantozzi/NBAE via Getty Images)

James Harden Is In The Mud

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MAY 7: Robert Covington #33 of the Philadelphia 76ers encourages the crowd to get loud against the Boston Celtics during Game Four of the Eastern Conference Second Round of the 2018 NBA Playoff at Wells Fargo Center on May 7, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

Sixers Shake Up NBA By Reacquiring Robert Covington

James Harden, in a dayglo green hoodie, watches a game from the bench.

James Harden Traded To Los Angeles Clippers After All

James Harden warms up at a Sixers practice

Report: James Harden Barred From Sixers Plane By Team Security

P.J. Tucker#17 James Harden #1 and Tyrese Maxey #0 of the Philadelphia 76ers during an open scrimmage on October 14, 2023 at Chase Fieldhouse in Wilmington, Delaware.

James Harden Has Made His Next Move

FORT LAUDERDALE, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 27: Houston Dynamo owner James Harden waves to the fans after the 2023 U.S. Open Cup Final against the Inter Miami at DRV PNK Stadium on September 27, 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)

James Harden Begins Going “Ben Simmons Mode”

James Harden, Hanging Out On A High School Sports Field, Says Relationship With Sixers Is Beyond Repair

EmbiidWatch Begins: Possible Twitter-Bio Intrigue

CAMDEN, NEW JERSEY - FEBRUARY 15: President of basketball operations Daryl Morey responds during a press conference at the Seventy Sixers Practice Facility on February 15, 2022 in Camden, New Jersey. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images) NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

James Harden And Daryl Morey Deserve Each Other

James Harden #1 (L) and president of basketball operations Daryl Morey of the Philadelphia 76ers look on during a press conference at the Seventy Sixers Practice Facility on February 15, 2022 in Camden, New Jersey. (

James Harden Calls Daryl Morey A “Liar,” Vows Never To Play For Him

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 11: James Harden #1 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts to a play against the Boston Celtics during the second quarter in game six of the Eastern Conference Semifinals in the 2023 NBA Playoffs at Wells Fargo Center on May 11, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement.

The Sixers Enter Another Summer Of Angst

BOSTON, MA - MAY 14: Head Coach Doc Rivers of the 76ers looks on during the game during round two game seven of the 2023 NBA Playoffson May 14, 2023 at the TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)