Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid appears to be missing a key element many successful NBA players benefit from: mentorship from franchise legends. Hall of Famer Charles Barkley, a former 76ers icon, recently revealed that Embiid has never reached out to him or other past greats for guidance, pointing to a deeper cultural gap within the team. Barkley made these comments during a recent interview on The Mike Missanelli Show, shedding light on a concerning disconnect in Philadelphia’s organizational approach to player development.
The Importance of Veteran Guidance in Professional Sports
In many sports, seasoned legends stay close to current players, offering invaluable advice on professionalism, performance, and maintaining well-being. This mentorship is often cited as crucial for achieving long-term success. NBA teams like the Indiana Pacers benefit from strong bonds between current players and former stars, such as Reggie Miller, who actively participates during the NBA Finals to support and guide the team.
However, Barkley suggests the 76ers lack this vital link between their celebrated past and present. The absence of communication between Embiid and Philadelphia legends represents a missed opportunity for growth and cohesion within the franchise.
Philadelphia 76ers’ Struggles Mirror Cultural Rift
The 76ers have struggled to turn postseason potential into sustained success, finishing 13th in the Eastern Conference during the 2024–25 season. Barkley believes this may be partially due to a cultural divide within the organization that prevents meaningful relationships between current stars and former greats. Despite Embiid’s impressive résumé—eleven seasons with the Sixers, seven All-Star appearances, multiple All-NBA and All-Defensive Team selections, two scoring titles, and the 2023 MVP—he has not embraced the franchise’s history by seeking advice from its legends.
As Barkley stated,
“Well, I’ve never actually had a conversation with Joel Embiid either,”
during his interview. Furthermore, he added,
“I don’t know Doc’s situation, but I think I may have said hello to Joel Embiid twice in my life. Just hello, but we’ve actually never had a conversation.”
This revelation surprised the hosts, especially considering Barkley’s long tenure with the 76ers, including eight playing seasons and having his No. 34 jersey retired by the team. Barkley’s experience with the organization contrasts sharply with the current climate Embiid faces.
Ownership Changes and Organizational Disconnects
The Philadelphia franchise has undergone multiple ownership changes since 1984, transitioning from Harold Katz to Comcast-Spectacor, and most recently to Josh Harris’s group. Barkley suggested that under Harris’s leadership, not enough effort has been made to bridge the gap between the team’s legends—such as Barkley himself and Julius Erving—and contemporary stars like Embiid.
This divide also reflects poorly on the franchise’s internal culture. The 76ers have seen turmoil, including the forced resignation of former president of basketball operations Bryan Colangelo after controversy involving his wife’s anonymous social media accounts leaking team information.
Why Connection with Veteran Players Is Crucial for Joel Embiid
Barkley emphasized the benefits young players gain by consulting with experienced veterans. He explained,
“One hundred percent because I think all young NBA players should talk to veteran guys because … Moses Malone is the most important person in my NBA career because he made me lose fifty pounds and made me a great player. I think you can only benefit from talking to Dr J or myself, Andrew Tony, Maurice Cheeks, Bobby Jones, and] Clement Johnson.”
These relationships often help players to improve not only their skills but also their professional conduct and longevity in the league. As Embiid approaches what may be the most important phase of his career, given his ongoing battles with injuries, such mentorship could prove vital.
Future Implications for the 76ers and Joel Embiid
The gap between Philadelphia’s past and present stars signals a cultural challenge the franchise needs to address. Barkley’s comments suggest that fostering communication between Embiid and the team’s legends could enhance Embiid’s development and positively impact the team’s prospects. Whether Barkley, Embiid, or other figures like Julius Erving will initiate this dialogue remains uncertain.
Given the NBA’s high-profile nature and the strong egos involved, openness to mentorship can sometimes be difficult. However, on a team level, reconnecting current leaders with former greats could strengthen both player performance and organizational unity, potentially ushering in a new era for the 76ers.