Tyrees Halliburton and Joel Embiid were players on Team USA’s men’s basketball team that won gold medals at the Parisio Games.
They are both Eastern Conference stars and often play against each other, but last year they were on the same team to help the US secure a victory.
Joel Embiid played several key minutes in the competition, but Tylese Halliburton remained in little use and played in just 26 minutes.
Their time with Team USA gave the two stars much time to bond, and even a year later, Halliburton revealed that Embiid was still checking out him.
The two Eastern Conference stars are now recovering from injuries and are often standing up once they return. However, from the court, Halliburton and Embiid share a lot of love and mutual respect for each other.
Recently, young Philadelphia 76ers star Jared McCain revealed that Embiid is completely different from what the media shows.
Halliburton’s comments on the “Impulse” podcast show the same.
He said: “I’m approaching a few different people. That Olympic team made me cool with everyone. That was the cool part about it.
“There aren’t many people who are cool with Joel Embiid. I happen to be pretty cool with him. He actually faced me.
Embiid is one of the reserved types, and Haliburton says the 2023 MVP is “watching people.”
“(Embiid) is a cool A-Dude. He’s just being wary of people. He keeps you at arm distance. He can’t get a lot of people in it.
“We exercise with the same trainer in Los Angeles. He usually kicks everyone out of the gym when he’s working. He lets me stay.
After playing only 19 games with the 76ers last season, Embiid was shut down due to injuries.
He had surgery and has been undergoing rehabilitation since then, but the return date has not been confirmed yet. This may be a concern, but the franchise will be happy to properly heal him.
The 31-year-old has struggled with injuries throughout his career, and at this stage it is unwise to rush him back.
They have high hopes for next season, but the Eastern Conference is expected to be relatively easy next season, so the 76ers will have the chance to return Envid late in the campaign.
Tyrese Maxey, McCain and VJ Edgecombe are three emerging talents and can play elite basketball to lead the 76ers path.
Paul George also struggled with a setback, but he will return to action by the start of the season.
With all these pieces, the 76ers were able to win some games and ease the pressure on Embiid when he returned.
Even if he returns in time for the playoffs, the 76ers will be pleased as they have not scored the best version of Embiid in the postseason for several years.
His abilities are unquestionable, but his fitness has always been questionable, and the 76ers must manage it wisely if they want to expand his career.