The Philadelphia 76ers have always been a team full of personalities. Unfortunately, those loud personalities in the Sixers don't always get along.
But this season, everything seemed to click just fine. The team has had its usual bit of drama, but two of its biggest stars — center Joel Embiid and forward Jimmy Butler — are getting along very well.
#Sixers coach Brett Brown on the relationship between Embiid and Butler: ‘There is recognition that they need each other.’
— Tom Moore (@TomMoorePhilly) May 2, 2019
Jimmy Butler in particular has a reputation for being a toxic locker room presence. The end of his time in time with the Minnesota Timberwolves was very tense. Upon his return from injury early this season, he reportedly went off to his teammates, coaches and the front office during a practice. This led to his trade to the Sixers last November.
But since a reported argument with Brett Brown in January, Butler has been relatively quiet with Philadelphia. He seems to be fitting in well, even with another strong personality on the team in Joel Embiid.
As two of Philly's best players, it is very important the Butler and Embiid work well together. In the regular season, Jimmy averaged 18.7 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.0 assists, while JoJo put up 27.5 points and 13.6 rebounds en route to earning his second All-Star nod.
The Sixers will need both to continue to play well if they are going to move on to the Eastern Conference Finals. They will have to get past the talented Toronto Raptors. The series is currently tied at one win apiece.
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