Bill Simmons hits Joel Embiid with ‘done’ label as young Sixers flourish

Following The Philadelphia 76ers beat the Boston Celtics 117-116 at Wednesday night’s season opener, the longtime NBA analyst Bill Simmons questions the current situation Joel Embiid‘s game, calling the former MVP “done” amid the rise of the Sixers’ younger core.

On the latest episode of The Bill Simmons Podcast, the Ringer founder offered a scathing assessment of Embiid’s performance, especially against the team’s dynamic backcourt Tyrese McKay and rookie VJ Edgecombe.

“It’s really interesting because Embiid just looks like he’s done. And who knows if he can come back, but he can’t jump anymore,” Simmons said. “And every time they did really well was when he wasn’t there, including the fourth quarter. They just didn’t bring him back because he was on a minutes restriction.”

Simmons praised the team’s explosiveness without Embiid on the floor, highlighting the impact of Edgecombe’s debut and Maxey’s continued growth.

“Maxi and VJ together were the most electric, the VJ thing is amazing,” Simmons said. “The big thing about him coming out of the draft is this guy’s an incredible athlete, he can’t finish. He’s got terrible finishing stats. Let me tell you, he finished the Celtics’ freaking game.”

Tyrese McKay and VJ Edgecombe shine as Joel Embiid falters in 76ers’ sluggish opener

He continued, “The VJ and Maxi thing. Offense, offense, offense and Embiid just doesn’t fit into that and I don’t know what they’re doing.”

Embiid’s performance was uncharacteristic. The 31-year-old center finished with four points, six rebounds, two assists and one block while shooting 1-for-9 from the field in 20 minutes. He posted a team-worst minus-16 plus/minus and did not play in the fourth quarter due to a minutes restriction.

In contrast, McKay opened the season in dominant fashion, scoring 40 points on 13-for-24 shooting, including 7-for-9 from three-point range. He added six assists, two rebounds, two steals and a block in 41 minutes. Edgecombe, the third overall pick in the 2025 NBA draft, had 34 points, seven rebounds, three assists and a steal while shooting 13-for-26 from the field in 42 minutes.

Edgecombe’s performance marked the highest-scoring rookie debut in the 21st century and most points by a rookie in an NBA debut since Wilt Chamberlain’s 43 points in 1959.

The 76ers will return to action on Saturday for their first game at the Wells Fargo Center, where they will face the Charlotte Hornets (1-0). Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30 PM ET.

As Philly’s young core shows its potential, questions surrounding Embiid’s role and long-term viability alongside Maxey and Edgecombe are beginning to emerge, and Simmons’ comments add to the national conversation.