Key Points:
Joel Embiid had a rough first outing
Kevin Garnett strongly questioned his preparation
Paul Pierce brought balance to the debate
The Philadelphia 76ers took care of business in their first game of the 2025-26 NBA season against the Boston Celtics on Wednesday but star center Joel Embiid was not his usual self as he was held to four points in 20 minutes of action on one-for-nine shooting.
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The largely ineffective performance obscured an otherwise great debut from the 76ers as Tyrese Maxey led the team in scoring with 40 points.
On Friday, NBA legends Paul Pierce and Kevin Garnett debated Embiid’s shockingly ineffective showing as Garnett played the bad cop and Pierce urged patience with the former NBA MVP.
Garnett couldn’t contain his frustration as he shared his honest thoughts on Embiid’s offseason.
Oct 22, 2025; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) wipes sweat from his face during the second quarter against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images
Garnett, Pierce Spar over 76ers Star
Embiid and Pierce sparred over Embiid with Garnett strongly questioning what he did during the offseason.
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“What’d you do in the summer bro…Bro done had enough time to recover and develop, come on bro. Real talk. If you get April to September that should be enough time…He supposed to be ready for the season,” Garnett said.
The spirited discussion was viewed in video form over 266,000 times as of early Saturday morning with fans wondering whether Embiid’s opening game was an aberration or a sign of things to come.
Fans React, Share Embiid Opinions
Fans reacted and shared their opinions on the tall, athletic Sixers star on X.
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“Embiid might be cooked fr (for real),” one fan said.
“KG got bigger things to worry about. We’re good here in Philly,” another said with a laughing/crying emoji.
Another gave Embiid a pass because of past surgeries, rehab and needing to get into game shape, similar to Pierce’s comments.
“That knee is like a turkey leg man, ain’t (expletive) he can do,” another said.
Another criticized Garnett, who was clearly in his feelings during his take.
“The season just started it’s really not that deep,” another said.
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“Embiid has never been serious about his career,” another said.
“Sixers need to trade him!” another opined.
Still another supported KG and said he didn’t think Embiid has been trying as hard as he could in recent times.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Oct 25, 2025, where it first appeared in the NBA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.