Charles Barkley recently shared a revealing story about a moment five years ago when Sixers legend Billy Cunningham expressed frustration with Joel Embiid’s attitude during practice. While visiting the Sixers’ facility at the invitation of then head coach Brett Brown, Barkley and Cunningham observed the team going through light drills. According to Barkley, Embiid, the team’s star center and a four-time NBA All-Star, chose to sit out rather than participate in scrimmaging, causing Cunningham to leave the gym in disbelief.

Barkley described the incident on The Mike Missanelli Show, explaining that Cunningham believed then the Philadelphia 76ers would not succeed as long as Embiid set such a poor example. Cunningham felt that the best player needed to lead by effort and intensity, but Embiid’s passive approach signaled trouble for the team’s aspirations.

And Billy says, ‘We gotta go.’ I said, ‘Why, Billy?’ He says, ‘The best player, when they sit down instead of scrimmaging, this team is never going to be successful.’ Billy was pissed,

Barkley recalled.

This moment with Cunningham highlights ongoing concerns about Embiid’s work ethic and availability, issues that have frequently surfaced during his career. Persistent injuries—in his knees, back, and foot—have hampered Embiid’s postseason consistency, while fans and analysts question his commitment to practice intensity.

Charles Barkley Voices Frustration Over Embiid’s Absences and Comments

Earlier this season, Barkley continued to criticize Embiid publicly after the center missed significant time during the preseason and the Sixers’ regular-season opener against the Milwaukee Bucks. Embiid’s repeated absences due to knee problems raised questions about his reliability and dedication.

Speaking on TNT, Barkley expressed impatience with the situation, emphasizing the disparity between Embiid’s lucrative contract and his limited availability on the court.

Man, I don’t have any idea what the Sixers are doing. I don’t think it’s fair. And I want to get this number right, and this is crazy, and bless the kid, No. 1; he just signed for three years, $193 million. Three years, $193 million – to play basketball. We’re not steel workers, we’re not nurses,

Barkley said.

Compounding concerns, Embiid once stated he would avoid playing back-to-back games throughout his career to prevent injury—a comment he later claimed was a joke. However, Barkley dismissed this statement as foolish, asserting that playing three to four games per week is standard for a player of Embiid’s caliber and that better preparation was expected.

Implications for the Philadelphia 76ers’ Prospects

The tensions surrounding Embiid’s practice habits and injury management raise questions about the Sixers’ future success. Cunningham’s early doubts about the team’s chance to win with Embiid as the leader appear increasingly relevant given Embiid’s ongoing challenges with availability and intensity.

While there remains time for Embiid to alter perceptions and lead the Sixers to championship contention, the frustrations voiced by Barkley, Cunningham, and others reflect wider unease within the franchise about whether Embiid’s approach can consistently propel the team forward.

The franchise’s ability to balance Embiid’s immense talent with his physical limitations and commitment to rigorous preparation will likely define Philadelphia’s trajectory in coming seasons, as fans and analysts watch closely for signs of renewed dedication and team cohesion.