Tyrese Haliburton and Joel Embiid were players on Team USA’s men’s basketball squad that won the gold medal in the Paris Olympics.
Both of them are Eastern Conference stars, who often go up against each other, but last year were on the same team to help USA secure the win.
While Joel Embiid played some important minutes in the competition, Tyrese Haliburton largely remained unused, playing only 26 minutes, as he had a few injury concerns and the team was stacked with other options.
Their time on Team USA gave the two stars a lot of time to bond and even after a year, Haliburton has revealed Embiid still checks on him.
Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty ImagesEmbiid is wary of people
The two Eastern Conference stars are currently recovering from injuries and once back will go up against each other quite often. But off the court, Haliburton and Embiid share a lot of love and mutual respect for each other.
Recently, Philadelphia 76ers‘ young star Jared McCain revealed that Embiid is completely different in person than what the media shows.
Haliburton’s comments on the “IMPAULSIVE” podcast also indicate the same.
Tyrese Haliburton asked Joel Embiid during the Olympics if he would want to join forces in Indiana and Embiid’s response is hilarious 😭
Haliburton: “You gonna come to Indy?”
Embiid: “I might wanna come to Indy. Sike! Never mind—I’d rather retire.”
(via Court of Gold on… pic.twitter.com/r1DS91OUsI
— Philly Sixers Galaxy (@sixers_galaxy) February 18, 2025
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He said: “I’m close to a few different guys. That Olympic team has made me become cool with everybody. That has been the cool part about it.
“Not many people are cool with Joel Embiid. I happen to be pretty cool with him. He actually Facetimed me the other day. I’m like, ‘You don’t call anybody,’ so he’s genuinely checking on me.”
Embiid is one of the reserved types and Haliburton stated that the 2023 MVP is ‘wary of people.’
“[Embiid] is a cool a– dude. He’s just wary of people. He keeps you at an arm’s distance. He doesn’t let a ton of people in.
“We work out with the same trainer in LA. He usually kicks everybody out of the gym when he works out. He lets me stay, so I know I’m in his good graces when I’m there.”
Embiid is still key to the 76ers’ chances
After playing just 19 games for the 76ers last season, Embiid was shut down due to his injury.
He had surgery and is rehabilitating from it, but a return date is not confirmed yet. While this may be concerning, the franchise would be happy to let him recover properly.
The 31-year-old has struggled with injuries throughout his career, and at this stage, it would not be wise to rush him back.
They have big expectations for next season, but with the Eastern Conference expected to be relatively easy next season, the 76ers can take a chance on letting Embiid return later in the campaign.
Tyrese Maxey, McCain and VJ Edgecombe are three emerging talents, who can all play elite basketball to lead the way for the 76ers.
Paul George also suffered a setback, but he will return to action by the start of the season.
The numbers say it all:
🔹Sixers with Joel Embiid: 295-157
🔹Sixers Without Joel Embiid: 104-163
That’s not just a stat. That’s the story of the Philadelphia 76ers.
A healthy Joel Embiid is the heartbeat of the Philadelphia 76ers; his full presence is what every Sixers fan… pic.twitter.com/bcrGM0THIr
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) August 26, 2025
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With all those pieces, the 76ers could win some games and ease the pressure on Embiid when he returns.
Even if he gets back in time for the playoffs, the 76ers would be glad as they have not gotten the best version of Embiid in the postseason for several years.
There is no doubting his ability, but it is his fitness that has always been questionable and the 76ers will have to manage that wisely if they are to extend his career.