The Philadelphia 76ers could return to the NBA Finals for the first time in 25 years if everything goes to plan next season.
With Joel Embiid, Paul George, Tyrese Maxey, and Jared McCain, the 76ers have one of the most talented rosters in the league.
The biggest issue for them recently has been health. Embiid and George, in particular, have struggled with injuries for several years.
But Miami Heat legend Udonis Haslem thinks the superstar duo has another problem that could stop them from contending.
Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty ImagesUdonis Haslem names the Philadelphia 76ers’ biggest problem
Haslem was a solid player in his prime, winning three championships with the Miami Heat (2006, 2012, and 2013).
But he is better known for keeping his place on the Heat roster in his late 30s and early 40s in more of a mentorship role.
Haslem knows what it takes to be an excellent leader in the NBA, and he doubts Joel Embiid and Paul George have it within them.
The 45-year-old thinks Maxey needs to step up and assume leadership responsibility next season for the 76ers to be successful.
“The talent is there,” Haslem said. “I have no problem with the talent, but establish your leadership. Who are we going to follow in the locker room? Who is going to be the voice?
“It’s not going to be Joel Embiid. He’s not going to play every game. Not everybody can do what Joel Embiid does. He’s going to sit out practices. Most guys can’t sit out practices.
“Is it going to be Paul George? We’ve seen that before. We’ve seen him with the Clippers. He is not a leader. He’s a great player, but not a leader. You need to establish a leader.
“In my opinion, that leader needs to be Tyrese Maxey. I know he’s young and it’s a lot to put on his shoulders, but he is the guy who shows up every night. He is the guy who practices every day. He is the guy who is vocal and, if I’m not mistaken, he is the guy who also challenged Joel Embiid about being present.
“Yes, on paper, it looks good, but if you don’t have leadership, I don’t know if you will be successful.”
What the Philadelphia 76ers have done this offseason
The Philadelphia 76ers have made several moves this offseason so far. They selected VJ Edgecombe with the third overall pick in the NBA Draft.
The 19-year-old averaged 15 points, 5.6 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 2.1 steals in 33 games for Baylor last season, and will immediately strengthen the 76ers’ bench unit.
They also picked up center John Broome in the second round and Hunter Sallis as an undrafted free agent to bolster the roster.
Eric Gordon has returned to Philadelphia on a one-year contract after scoring almost seven points per game on approximately 41 percent from the three-point line last season.