NBA analyst Jason Timpf has sounded the alarm on the Philadelphia 76ers, calling Joel Embiid's recent preseason performance one of the worst he's seen from a superstar. This comes after the 76ers' 144-106 preseason loss to the Boston Celtics on October 10, their second defeat in three exhibition games. Timpf's pointed critique centers on Embiid's conditioning and defensive impact, casting a shadow over Philadelphia's championship aspirations.
The Philadelphia 76ers' preseason has been a mixed bag. They opened with a 120-97 win over the New York Knicks on October 5, but things turned quickly. A 114-108 loss to the Brooklyn Nets on October 8 was followed by the lopsided 144-106 defeat in Boston. It was Embiid's game against the Nets that drew the harshest review from analyst Jason Timpf. Embiid scored just 6 points on 1-for-5 shooting and committed 8 turnovers in 24 minutes, finishing with a minus-8 rating.
Timpf described the outing as "abysmal." He said on his show, "It was legitimately one of the worst single-game performances I've seen from a superstar in a really long time." The analyst noted Embiid looks thinner this season, a change likely aimed at managing his chronic knee issues. But Timpf argued the weight loss hasn't improved his mobility. "When you're thinner and not moving better, what actually is happening is you're way less physically imposing," he explained.
Joel Embiid's health and form are the absolute foundation of Philadelphia's title hopes. At 32, the seven-time All-Star is trying to shed weight to stay on the court. The concern, as Timpf highlights, is whether this makes him less effective, especially on defense. The analyst observed a "general lack of defensive intensity" from the team and said a lighter Embiid still struggled with rim protection and mobility.
This is a major issue because the 76ers' offense might not need him to carry the same load. The offseason additions of LeBron James and Jaylen Brown, alongside Tyrese Maxey and VJ Edgecombe, give Philadelphia four other players capable of scoring 20 points per game. The team's defense, however, still relies heavily on Embiid's presence in the paint. If his defensive impact declines, it could undermine their entire championship blueprint.
The immediate focus is on chemistry and correcting these preseason flaws before the real games begin. Embiid and LeBron James have already denied a report of a rocky start to their partnership, which is a positive sign. The team's next test is a quick rematch against the Boston Celtics at home on October 16. That final preseason game offers a last chance to build rhythm and address the defensive lapses identified by Timpf.
While preseason results shouldn't be overreacted to, the scrutiny on this star-laden 76ers squad is immense. Timpf himself noted preseason isn't a huge deal, but his comments amplify the existing pressure. Every move Embiid makes will be analyzed as he tries to prove his new physique is an asset, not a liability. The team's full schedule ahead of the NBA season can be found on our schedule page. How they respond in their final tune-up could set the tone for a campaign where anything less than a deep playoff run will be seen as a disappointment.
