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Embiid on 76ers' core: We just have to stay together

Mitchell Leff / Getty Images Sport / Getty

It's not uncommon for NBA stars to want to branch off from their respective teams and start anew elsewhere, with Kyrie Irving serving as the latest example.

In Philadelphia, "The Process" bore fruit in the form of Joel Embiid, Ben Simmons, and Markelle Fultz, this year's No. 1 overall pick. There could come a time down the road, though, when egos prevail and not everyone is happy sharing the spotlight.

Embiid hopes that's never the case for these 76ers.

"We're still working on our chemistry, especially with me and Ben on the court," Embiid told ESPN's Ramona Shelburne.

"I think with everything, the main thing we have to do is just stay together, because I feel like there's going to be some type of situation where people say who is better between us three. And that's how it splits."

Since Fultz has only suited up for a grand total of four games, basketball fans have little to go on as far as whether the Sixers' young studs can co-exist on the floor. Simmons has served as the team's primary ball-handler, while Fultz was a part of the second unit in his limited exposure.

The belief is that Fultz will need at least another three weeks for rehabilitation after being ruled out in October with what the team described as muscular imbalance in his shoulder.

While currently in the midst of a four-game losing streak, the Sixers still find themselves in the playoff picture at 13-13, thanks in large part to the contributions of Embiid (23.5 points, 11.2 rebounds, and two blocks) and Simmons (18 points, 9.2 rebounds, and 7.7 assists).

At this time in 2016-17, Philadelphia had just six wins.

Embiid's new five-year extension, worth approximately $148 million, will kick in next season, while Simmons remains under his rookie-scale contract.

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