Nick Nurse Defends Joel Embiid Practice Habits

Nick Nurse shut down the rumor that LeBron James called out Joel Embiid for being late to practice. After Mike Breen shared the story during Monday’s preseason game against the Knicks, LeBron called it a lie on social media. Nurse said Embiid has been “excellent,” in great shape and working hard in practice. That’s good news for Philadelphia heading into 2026-27. Embiid has played fewer than 40 games in each of the last three seasons, so his health is still the big question. But Nurse says Joel was a full participant early in camp and looks ready to chase the playoff run that’s escaped him so far.