Breaking: Joel Embiid has altercation with reporter in locker room after 76ers loss

The Philadelphia 76ers season has not gone as planned. Joel Embiid and Paul George still have not played. The franchise dropped 1-4 with a blowout loss to the Grizzlies on Saturday night. It has been a disappointing start after building a Big 3 in the offseason, but things went from bad to worse after the game.

Embiid reportedly assaulted a reporter in the locker room. This is a serious and unacceptable situation. Kyle Neubeck shared the full details of the incident, which Embiid could face a punishment from the NBA and potentially more. Shams Charania reported Embiid had issues with a recent column and shoved the reporter. There were no punches thrown, but this is a serious situation.

The frustrating start for the Sixers and questions about his health have created plenty of drama and turmoil in Philadelphia after a relatively quiet offseason. It seemed like the 76ers were on the right path, but things are again spiraling out of control.

Joel Embiid reportedly assaults reporter in the locker room after loss to Grizzlies

The seven-time All-Star is nearing a return after missing the entire preseason and first five games of the regular season with a knee injury. Philadelphia needs Embiid to be a serious title contender, but only if he is healthy.

Embiid has received plenty of criticism (subscription required) from reporters, but it was mention of his family (subscription required) that led to the altercation. Clearly, the Sixers All-Star crossed the line, but he reportedly had a problem with reporter Marcus Hayes saying this in the article.

"Joel Embiid consistently points to the birth of his son, Arthur, as the major inflection point in his basketball career. He often says that he wants to be great to leave a legacy for the boy named after his little brother, who tragically died in an automobile accident when Embiid was in his first year as a 76er.

Well, in order to be great at your job, you first have to show up for work. Embiid has been great at just the opposite."

It has been a difficult start for the Sixers and their fans. Embiid is annually in the running for MVP and one of the best players in the league. There is frustration about him not playing, but Philly needs their superstar to be healthy to defeat the Celtics in the playoffs and win a championship. If missing time now, keeps him healthy from April to June, that is the best option for the 76ers.

It is fair to take issue with both sides. The reporter did not need to mention Embiid's family, but the 76ers star went too far. He did not need to shove the writer. Expect Embiid to face a punishment from the league, and there will be plenty more to this developing story.

Things were just beginning to look up for the Philadelphia 76ers before this incident. Now, the future is again uncertain and things could quickly go from bad to worse in a loaded Eastern Conference. Getting healthy is the top priority. The Sixers are an elite team with everyone in the lineup, but it may be a bit before that happens.