Embiid: Leaker of 76ers' meeting 'a real piece of shit'

Joel Embiid addressed the Philadelphia 76ers' recent team meeting for the first time Wednesday, though not before taking aim at the person who disclosed its details to the public.

"Whoever leaked that is a real piece of shit," Embiid said after Wednesday's 117-111 loss to the Memphis Grizzlies, according to The Athletic's Tony Jones.

Monday's closed-door briefing was reportedly initiated by 76ers veteran Kyle Lowry after their loss to the Miami Heat to address the team's poor start to the season. During the private session, 24-year-old guard Tyrese Maxey reportedly called out Embiid for persistent tardiness that was affecting players and coaches.

"We talked about a lot of things," the 76ers center confirmed Wednesday, courtesy of The Philadelphia Inquirer's Gina Mizell. "I don't want to get into the details, but that whole thing (with Maxey) probably took 30 seconds. But then again, it's Joel Embiid, so we've got to make everything blown out of proportion.

"It's whatever. I'll take it all. I'm the reason for everything, so I'll take the blame for everything."

Embiid and Maxey are the longest-tenured members of the 76ers' roster, with each in their 11th and fifth year, respectively, with the franchise. The two are said to share a close friendship in which they've held each other accountable.

"That's the relationship we have - nothing malicious," the center said. "I like when people are telling me what I'm not doing good, what I need to do better. Even though that part (being late) maybe happened once or twice, when I wasn't playing … So I need to be better.

"I need to be perfect. I need to be on point, which I'm going to do. Which I've always done."

Wednesday's defeat in Memphis was Philadelphia's fifth in a row, dropping the team to 2-12 and extending its ownership of the NBA's worst record.

It was the first time this season that Embiid, Maxey, and marquee offseason addition Paul George have played together after injuries sidelined all three at various points over the first month. However, the trio shared just over six on-court minutes before George exited early with a hyperextended left knee - the same injury that caused him to miss the first five games of the campaign.