Sixers players, Nick Nurse host community events during holiday season: 'It's more than basketball'

Philadelphia 76ers players and Coach Nick Nurse are spreading holiday cheer by hosting community events, but it's not just about basketball.

The team has been organizing several events to get into the holiday spirit, with Joel Embiid being a key figure in these activities. On Monday, he held an event for approximately 80 students from Camden-area high schools. The students were thrilled when Embiid emerged, donning throwback shirts and handing out pairs of his new signature shoe and accompanying shirts. Many received autographs from the NBA star himself.

But it wasn't all about basketball drills and hoops. After distributing the shoes and shirts, Embiid spent time with the students, jokingly scoffing at missed shots and giving nods of acknowledgement to those who made their jumpers. The event was a huge success, with Embiid expressing his love for giving back to the community.

"I love giving back," Embiid said in an interview. "Since I've had the opportunity to be in this position, that's always been a goal of mine and a dream of mine."

Embiid hopes his story resonates with young kids, saying, "It's more than basketball. It's about trusting your own process, your own ideas, what you believe in, and obviously you've got to put the work in."

This sentiment is shared by Sixers head coach Nick Nurse, who hosted a Stars & Stripes Day of Service event last week. The team gathered to pack care kits for veterans and active military members unable to spend Thanksgiving with their families.

"It's really, really important that we do take that part seriously," Nurse said. "I think they need to do their part as well...we're all very fortunate to be in the situations we're in, and so it's really, really important that we do take that part seriously."

Other players are also getting involved, including Paul George, who hosted a Christmas celebration for eight families at SkyZone in Oaks. The event provided gifts to attendees.

The Sixers' commitment to community outreach is inspiring young people like Adem Bona, who attended Embiid's event and appreciated the opportunity to connect with team employees.

"It's awesome to spend time with them and also work together to serve the community," Bona said.

As the holiday season continues, the Philadelphia 76ers will remain a force for good in the community.

I'm loving that the Sixers are getting into the holiday spirit ! But, gotta say, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. I mean, what about the financial burden on these kids and schools? Like, how many free swag bags can one kid handle, right? Just kidding, but seriously, it's great that they're giving back, but let's not forget the bigger picture here.

I'm also a bit skeptical about the "trust your own process" thing Embiid is talking about. Is that just code for "we're not gonna fix our team's issues, we'll just wing it"? Just saying, as inspiring as his message is, let's keep things real. Still, gotta give props to the team for using their platform for good

I mean, it's great that Embiid and the Sixers are trying to spread some cheer , but I'm not sure if we need to be reminded of his signature shoe release every time he steps out... like, come on guys, we get it, Joel's got swag . But in all seriousness, it's awesome that they're using their platform to make a difference . I love that Embiid is sharing his own story and values with the kids - maybe he can even teach them something about hard work and trusting themselves without needing a pair of fancy kicks . And Nurse's comments on service and responsibility? totally on point . More teams need to take cues from the Sixers

I'm kinda sure that hosting community events is super cool, but at the same time, I think it's kinda cheesy . Like, do we really need celebrities like Joel Embiid and Nick Nurse to remind us to be kind and give back? Can't we just figure that out on our own?

And don't even get me started on the autographs . I mean, sure, it's awesome for the fans, but can't they just take a selfie instead of actually giving them something tangible?

But, like, in all seriousness, it's actually kinda awesome to see athletes using their platforms for good . And who knows, maybe it'll inspire some young people to make a difference too...or maybe not .

The care kits thing is pretty cool, I guess . It's nice that the team is taking the time to support veterans and active military members. But, like, shouldn't we be doing more?

Oh wait, I just changed my mind – hosting community events can totally change lives ! Okay, maybe not literally, but it's still pretty cool to see athletes giving back .

OMG I love how the 76ers are spreading joy & positivity during the holiday season ! It's so cool that Joel Embiid is using his platform to give back to the community and share his story with kids. He's literally inspiring the next gen of ballers & citizens alike . The team's commitment to community outreach is infectious, and it's awesome to see players like Paul George and Coach Nick Nurse getting involved in events that make a real difference . Adem Bona's experience at Embiid's event was super heartwarming - it's clear the 76ers are making a positive impact on their community . Can't wait to see what other initiatives they have lined up for the rest of the season!

I think its great that the 76ers players are making an effort to give back to their community, especially during the holidays . It's not just about basketball, it's about using their platform to make a positive impact on people's lives. I love how Joel Embiid is using his fame to spread joy and inspire kids, like when he handed out his new shoes and shirts to those students at Camden-area high schools .

It's also awesome that the team is hosting these community events, from packing care kits for veterans to Christmas celebrations for families in need. Coach Nick Nurse's commitment to serving others is really admirable . And I'm loving how other players like Paul George are getting involved too! It's amazing to see young people like Adem Bona, who were inspired by the team's community outreach efforts .

I think this shows that athletes can be more than just entertainers, they can be role models and agents of change in their communities. Kudos to the 76ers for being a positive force in Philly!

This is so heartwarming ! The Sixers are really stepping up their game when it comes to giving back. I mean, who doesn't love a good shoe giveaway? But seriously, it's amazing to see players like Joel Embiid and Coach Nick Nurse taking time out of their schedules to spread some holiday cheer. The fact that they're not just doing it for the fans, but also for the community, is really admirable.

And I have to say, it's awesome to see young people like Adem Bona getting involved in these events. It's a great way to inspire the next gen of leaders and role models. Plus, it's always cool to see players showing their softer side . Let's keep it up, Sixers! You guys are setting an amazing example for everyone else.

I'm totally feeling the vibes of these players being all about spreading love and kindness this holiday season . I mean, it's not just about dunking hoops or scoring points, but about giving back to the community and making a difference in people's lives. It's really inspiring to see guys like Joel Embiid, Nick Nurse, and Paul George putting their time and energy into events that benefit young kids and veterans . And it's awesome to see the players connecting with each other and with fans like Adem Bona who's all about serving others too! This is what the holiday season is all about – kindness, generosity, and being a good human

I'm so glad the Sixers are spreading some cheer . It's adorable that Joel Embiid is being his usual charming self, handing out free kicks and autographs to high school kids. I mean, who wouldn't want to meet a NBA star wearing throwback shirts? It's almost as if he's trying to make up for all the times he got roasted on social media last season... anyway, it's nice to see him giving back to the community, and I'm sure those 80 students will never forget their special day. The fact that Coach Nurse is getting involved too is just icing on the cake , because who doesn't love a good day of service? And Paul George hosting a Christmas party for eight families at SkyZone sounds like the ultimate #blessed experience . I'm sure it's all just a coincidence that the Sixers are doing so much community outreach this holiday season...

omg what's not to love about these guys? they're spreading joy & kindness everywhere they go it's amazing to see nick nurse getting involved too, i mean, who wouldn't want to help pack care kits for veterans on a day of service ? and paul george hosting christmas celebrations for families is just the icing on the cake these guys are truly setting an example for young people like adem bona - they're showing that it's okay to put others first & make a difference in your community

I'm loving this vibe from the Sixers players and Coach Nick Nurse ! It's all about spreading love and kindness during the holidays . Not just about basketball games and winning championships, but about giving back to the community . I mean, who wouldn't want a pair of sweet new kicks and an autograph from Joel Embiid? But seriously, it's amazing to see these athletes using their platforms for good . The fact that they're taking time out of their schedules to support local high school students and pack care kits for veterans is just incredible . It's all about trusting your own process and putting in the work, right? As someone who's all about positivity and good vibes, I'm so here for this! Let's keep spreading that love and kindness all year round #SixersForGood #CommunityFirst #HolidayCheer

I gotta say, it's really cool that the Philly 76ers are gettin' into the holiday spirit like this ! But, I'm not sure how realistic it is for all these players to just drop everything and give back to the community like they're doin' it. I mean, Joel Embiid's event was pretty awesome, but 80 students from Camden-area high schools? That's a lot of work for one day .

And while I love that Nick Nurse is gettin' involved with packin' care kits for vets and active military members, it feels like the team's doin' this to boost their image more than actual community service . Don't get me wrong, give 'em props for showin' up and makin' a difference, but let's not forget that there's more to be done.

It's also kinda suspicious that all these events seem to pop up around the same time . You gotta wonder if it's just coincidental or if they're tryin' to create some PR buzz . Nonetheless, I guess it's good to see young people like Adem Bona gettin' inspired by players like Embiid and Nurse !

I love how the 76ers are spreading holiday cheer through their community events ! It's not just about Joel Embiid giving away his new kicks (although, who wouldn't want those? ) but it's also about him taking time to connect with the kids and making them feel special. And Coach Nurse hosting a Stars & Stripes Day of Service event is super inspiring - I mean, who doesn't love a good ol' fashioned care kit packing party ?

But what really gets me is how the team is using their platform to talk about trust in themselves and their process. Like, Paul George's Christmas celebration for eight families? That's more than just handing out gifts, that's showing up and being present for people who need it most .

And I love how young people like Adem Bona are inspired by the team's commitment to community outreach . It's so important to see leaders in our communities, especially in sports, using their influence to make a positive impact.

I'm not gonna lie, though - as much as I love these events, it makes me think about how the NBA used to be more about giving back and social justice during the 90s and early 2000s . The league was all about using its platform for good, and it's refreshing to see some of those values carry over today.

Anyway, I'm hyped to see what the rest of the season brings from the 76ers! Keep up the amazing work, guys

You know what's wild? I just got back from a trip to the beach last weekend and saw this huge flock of seagulls just chillin' on the sand, eating french fries like they owned the place . It was so funny! I swear, they were more interested in the snacks than the people around them. Anyway, back to the 76ers...I love how they're all getting involved with the community events. My little nephew is really into basketball now and it's awesome to see him being inspired by these guys . But have you ever noticed how weird it is when you're trying to eat a salad but there's always that one piece of lettuce that gets stuck in your teeth? Ugh, it's the worst!

I'm so glad to see the Sixers being super generous this holiday season ! Joel Embiid and Coach Nick Nurse are truly amazing role models, showing everyone that basketball is just a part of life, but giving back is what really matters . I love how they're not just handing out autographs and freebies, but actually taking the time to connect with people and make a difference in their lives. It's super inspiring to see young kids like Adem Bona getting to experience that kind of kindness & generosity . Maybe we can all learn from their example and find ways to pay it forward ourselves?

️ I mean, what's not to love about Joel Embiid handing out free kicks and autographs to high school kids? It's like he's trying to make up for all those missed shots he took during his college days . But seriously, it's awesome to see the Sixers team using their platform for good. I'm glad they're focusing on community outreach and giving back – it's not just about the basketball, although let's be real, Embiid is pretty entertaining on the court . And props to Coach Nurse for hosting that Stars & Stripes Day of Service event – those care kits are a great way to show some appreciation for our veterans . Keep up the good work, Sixers!

I'm so hyped about the Sixers' efforts to spread holiday cheer! It's awesome that they're not just focusing on basketball, but also giving back to the community. I mean, who doesn't love getting free autographed shoes and shirts from Joel Embiid? But seriously, it's amazing to see players like him, Nick Nurse, and Paul George using their platform to make a difference.

I was talking to my friend at school and we were both thinking that this is exactly what we need more of – people using their influence to help others. I know some schools have already started doing stuff like this, but it's still super inspiring to see the NBA team getting involved. And Adem Bona's comment about working together to serve the community really got me pumped up for school events too! We could all learn a thing or two from the Sixers' example.

I gotta say, it's kinda cool how these players are using their platforms to do more than just shoot hoops. Like, don't get me wrong, basketball is awesome and all, but it's also super important to use your influence to make a positive impact . And I love how Joel Embiid is being genuine about giving back and wanting to inspire the next gen with his own story. It's not just about the players, though - Coach Nick Nurse and the rest of the team are stepping up too . They're showing that even in the midst of all the glitz and glamour, it's possible to stay grounded and make a real difference . And who knows, maybe this is the start of something bigger than just a few community events...

I'm lovin' this vibe, tbh . The Sixers are doin' some real good with these community events, but I gotta say, it's not just about gettin' likes on socials, you feel? It's genuinely showin' they care, and that's what matters.

Joel Embiid bein' all up in his students' grill, handin' out shoes and shirts, and sippin' on that autograph game...that's some next-level community buildin' . But for real, though, it's the fact that they're takin' time to listen to these kids and show 'em they care about their futures that's the real MVP ️.

Coach Nick Nurse doin' his thing with the Stars & Stripes Day of Service event...that's some serious commitment to servin' others . It's awesome to see the players and coaches step up and take it seriously, especially when they're in a position to make a difference.

I'm just sayin', this whole "giving back" thing is not just about feel-good vibes; it's about makin' a real impact on people's lives . And if the Sixers are doin' that, I'm all for it .

I'm so down on this! The Sixers are spreading love and kindness all around Philly . I mean, it's not just about dunking hoops (although Joel Embiid is a beast on the court) . They're using their platform to make a real difference in people's lives. From handing out free shoes and shirts to volunteering at care kits for veterans, it's heartwarming to see the team coming together to give back []. Coach Nurse is setting an amazing example too - it's so inspiring to hear him talk about giving back and doing one's part. The players are all on board with this, from Paul George hosting a Christmas party for families to Adem Bona attending Embiid's event and feeling the love