Philadelphia 76ers

Joel Embiid refuses to trash ex-Sixers GM Bryan Colangelo ... telling TMZ Sports the disgraced exec is a "great guy" ... despite the burner account scandal.

"He was a great guy. He did a great job for us, so I wish him luck," Embiid told us in Beverly Hills on Thursday night.

Shocking response since Embiid is one of the 76ers players who was targeted by the burner account tweets that Colangelo's wife claims she posted.

In fact, we asked Joel if he REALLY believes Bryan had nothing to do with the burner accounts and if he thinks Barbara Bottini truly acted alone.

"I have no idea," Embiid said ... "I'm sure there was an investigation for a reason. But if it was his wife, there's nothing you can do about it."

Embiid didn't seem concerned about the future of the 76ers -- in fact, he told us the Colangelo drama won't slow down "the Process."

"The Process is never starting over and it's never going to be over. There's a process for everything. It takes a lot to get where you wanna go and that's the process."'

Bryan Colangelo isn't even PRETENDING to defend his wife -- he's dumping ALL of the blame on her ... with no shame.

Colangelo resigned as President of Basketball Operations for the Philadelphia 76ers -- after a private investigation firm found his wife was the person behind several Twitter accounts that published damaging and private info about 76ers players.

Now, Bryan is breaking his silence ... and continuing to dump all blame on his wife, Barbara Bottini.

"While I am grateful that the independent investigation conducted by the 76ers has confirmed that I had no knowledge of or involvement in the Twitter activity conducted by my wife, I vigorously dispute the allegation that my conduct was in any way reckless."

"At no point did I ever purposefully or directly share any sensitive, non-public, club-related information with her."

"Her actions were a seriously misguided effort to publicly defend and support me, and while I recognize how inappropriate these actions were, she acted independently and without my knowledge or consent."

Bryan also says his wife was a bad leaker, at that ...

"Further, the content she shared was filled with inaccuracies and conjecture which in no way represent my own views or opinions. While this was obviously a mistake, we are a family and we will work through this together."

The process is over for Bryan Colangelo ... the Philadelphia 76ers president of basketball operations has resigned after an investigation revealed his WIFE was behind several Twitter accounts that had trashed 76ers players and leaked private info.

But there's a major twist ... investigators say Bryan's wife tried to delete and hide key pieces of info on her phone before turning it over to be examined.

"The Philadelphia 76ers organization has accepted the resignation of President of Basketball Operations Bryan Colangelo, effective immediately," the team said in a statement.

Colangelo has been in hot water ever since The Ringer published a story connecting him to several Twitter accounts that had trashed various 76ers players -- including Joel Embiid, Markelle Fultz and former players Nerlens Noel and Jahlil Okafor.

The 76ers hired the firm Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP to investigate -- and the results showed Bryan's wife was the culprit.

"We do not believe that Mr. Colangelo established the Twitter accounts or posted content on those accounts," the firm said in a statement.

"The evidence supports the conclusion that Ms. Barbara Bottini, Mr. Colangelo’s wife, established the Twitter accounts and posted content on those accounts. When interviewed, Ms. Bottini admitted establishing and operating the accounts. Forensic evidence corroborates her admissions."

As a result of the investigation, the team said, "It has become clear Bryan’s relationship with our team and his ability to lead the 76ers moving forward has been compromised."

But get this ... investigators say Colangelo's wife IMPEDED the investigation by deleting the contents of her iPhone prior to surrendering the device for forensic review.

Still, Bryan is not blameless, according to investigators ... "Our investigation revealed substantial evidence that Mr. Colangelo was the source of sensitive, non-public, club-related information contained in certain posts to the Twitter accounts."

"We believe that Mr. Colangelo was careless and in some instances reckless in failing to properly safeguard sensitive, non-public, club-related information in communications with individuals outside the 76ers organization."

Allen Iverson is leaving Ice Cube's BIG3 league -- at least for now -- claiming he's got too much other stuff going on and no time to fulfill his duties as the coach of 3's Company.

"I have informed the @thebig3 that I will not coach this year and they support me in this decision," The Answer said on Wednesday.

"However, do know that this does not end my association or support of the league and I will attend games this season whenever able."

A.I. was suspended as a player/coach last season when he failed to show up to a game because he was on a gambling binge.

But, A.I. says there's no bad blood with the league ... and he's "forever grateful" for the opportunity.

"I wish the league the players, coaches and fans continued success this and every season that follows."

Ben Simmons was flying solo in Hollywood on Tuesday ... with no Kendall Jenner in sight after she was spotted making out with another dude in NYC.

Ben and Kendall had been pretty inseparable lately ... with dinners and bike rides all around town.

But, after Kendall sucked face with 18-year-old Anwar Hadid -- Gigi and Bella's little bro -- seems the Philadelphia 76ers superstar is ready to move on.

Ben hit up Catch in West Hollywood -- one of the hottest restaurants in town and a paparazzi hornet's nest ... where stars often go to be seen.

Seems he wanted to make a statement without having to say anything.

Meanwhile, there are now reports Ben's ex-girlfriend, Tinashe, is moving on too -- allegedly hanging out with Kendall Jenner's ex-BF, Blake Griffin.

The Philadelphia 76ers have announced they've launched an investigation into team honcho Bryan Colangelo ... to find out if he was REALLY leaking confidential team info through burner Twitter accounts.

Colangelo was allegedly using 5 secret accounts to trash various 76ers players -- including Joel Embiid, Markelle Fultz and former players Nerlens Noel and Jahlil Okafor, according to The Ringer.

In the case of Okafor, Colangelo allegedly leaked private medical information that only a few people in the organization would know.

The team has now issued this statement ...

"An online media outlet filed a story linking multiple social media accounts to 76ers President of Basketball Operations Bryan Colangelo."

"The allegations are serious and we have commenced an independent investigation into the matter."

"We will report the results of that investigation as soon as it is concluded."

Colangelo has denied trashing players on Twitter -- but 'fessed up to owning one of the Twitter accounts in question.

Meek Mill is well beyond prison walls now, and any merch signaling otherwise oughta be corrected to reflect his current sitch -- according to Meek himself, who did just that for a fan.

Philly fan Zack Rothenberg spotted Meek sitting in his SUV Saturday after the 76ers game against Boston, and approached the car by foot (in the middle of traffic, mind you) for an autograph on his custom Eagles jersey ... which reads "Free Meek" on the back.

Meek happily obliged, but rather than his usual John Hancock, he signed the jersey with "Meek Free!" We're told the rapper liked it so much, he took a photo of the jersey himself. He doesn't appear to have posted it yet, however.

As we've reported ... Meek's been the toast of the town in Philly since being released from prison a couple weeks ago. He was choppered to the Wells Fargo Center to catch Game 5 of the Heat series, and was allowed to ring the ceremonial bell before tip-off.

Kevin Hart had a very serious scare while landing in Boston for the 76ers game -- when the tire on his private jet blew out as the plane touched down on the runway.

Miraculously, the pilot was able to safely land the plane despite the tire drama -- and emergency personnel rushed to the jet to help out upon landing.

"My first airplane scare on the runway," Hart said ... "We caught a flat as we touched down."

You can see the tire is almost all the way blown off. It's a miracle no one was hurt.

"Ya boy got angels on his back," Hart said ... "I got real-life angels on my back."

Meek Mill is now free to start doing shows outside of Philadelphia ... thanks to his archnemesis, Judge Genece Brinkley.

Judge Brinkley amended the order regarding his bail conditions, and he now has approval to travel outside of Pennsylvania's Montgomery County for scheduled business activities. He just has to submit his travel plans to the probation dept. 72 hours in advance.

The amended order also gives Meek approval to live in Montgomery Co. The original bail conditions required him to live in neighboring Philadelphia County. Meek still has to submit to at least one urine test per month.

The judge signed the new order on Friday, and Meek took advantage almost immediately. We got him out in NYC that night with 76ers owner Michael Rubin ... after they had a biz dinner with Meek's Roc Nation management team.

Meek Mill enjoyed his first post-prison meal after the Philadelphia 76ers' big Game 5 win over the Miami Heat this week -- and it was a full VIP experience.

Sources tell TMZ that Meek celebrated with a group of 76ers -- including co-owner Michael Rubin and star player Joel Embiid -- and chowed down at Philly's high-end restaurant, Buddakan, where we're told Meek ordered the fish.

Interesting choice ... especially since sources present tell us there were lots of options -- from aged beef to peking duck and, of course, lo mein. Sounds like Meek just wanted some tuna, cod or bass ... we're not sure which dish he got ... but the fishy entrees all run from $29 to $37.

As we've reported ... Meek probably hasn't eaten this well since at least November, when his institution served him and the other inmates a proper Thanksgiving meal, including turkey, mashed potatoes and the like.

Did you know ... the Villanova basketball team was SUPPOSED to ring the bell at the 76ers game Tuesday night until they got bumped for Meek Mill?

It's true ... but they seemed VERY cool with the change of plans and kicked it with the freed rapper in the moments before tip off.

The Nova players -- who won the NCAA National Championship this year -- were stoked to see Meek ... and huddled together for a photo right before Meek went out and rang the bell.

Meek Mill just walked on the court at the Wells Fargo Center -- wearing a Joel Embiid jersey -- and the crowd lost their minds!!!

Philadelphia 76ers co-owner Michael Rubin personally escorted the rapper from prison to the arena to be the guest of honor for Game 5 against the Miami Heat ... and he even got to ring the bell before tip-off.

As we expected ... Sixers fans -- including Kevin Hart by his side -- erupted in cheers for several moments for their hometown guy, who many felt was wrongly locked up for the past 5 months.

Before the game, the players took the floor to Meek's "Ima Boss" as he glad-handed fans and supporters courtside. He also got in a post-prison shower in the team locker room.

He made it ... Meek Mill has finally arrived at Wells Fargo Center in Philly in time for the 76ers playoff game -- but first things first, dude needs a shower.

Meek arrived with 76ers co-owner Michael Rubin -- who flew Meek from the prison to the arena on his private helicopter.

Once he landed, Meek and his crew got in a waiting SUV and booked it for the arena.

Meek will hit the showers -- let's face it, gotta wash that prison stench off his body -- and then he'll get his hero's welcome before the 76ers take on the Miami Heat in Game 5 of the playoffs.

"I feel great," Meek said.

Enjoy it!

Meek Mill is out of prison ... and in a helicopter heading for the Philadelphia 76ers playoff game!!!

Sources tell us the chopper belongs to 76ers co-owner Michael Rubin, Meek's close friend who promised to personally pick him up.

Meek has about an hour to get to the arena if he wants to make it for tip off ... and with this kind of air transportation, he'll probably make it!!

Jay-Z just spoke on Meek's release saying, "Today, Meek Mill, a son of Philadelphia, is a free man. He was incarcerated unjustly and caught in a probation trap for years by a broken system. Now we can celebrate his release. We thank every individual that has supported and fought alongside Meek every step of the way."

A statement from Roc Nation adds, "We are pleased with the Supreme Court’s decision to grant Meek Mill bail and allow him to return home to his loved ones."

It continues, "We are grateful for all the support that Meek has received from his fans and public advocates over the past five months and look forward to working alongside Meek to fight for criminal justice reform.”

The prison is about 12 miles from the arena -- where the 76ers will take on the Miami Heat in Game 5 of their NBA playoff series.

The 76ers are up 3 games to 1 and have a chance to close out the series tonight!!!

With the 76ers up 3 games to 1 ... Joel Embiid is calling in the big guns for help -- making a surprise appearance at a Philly-area church Sunday night in his team warm-up pants.

We spoke with officials from St. Kevin Parish in Springfield, Pennsylvania who tell us Embiid arrived around 5:30 PM for the evening mass and stayed about an hour after the service for some personal prayer time.

But the churchgoers were STOKED to see their hero in the building and several people went up to Joel and asked if it would be cool to take some pics.

We're told Embiid was VERY cool about it -- chatting up and posing for everyone who came up to him.

One church rep tells us, "He was super nice."

Embiid and the 76ers get back on the court to face the Miami Heat on Tuesday. We'll see if Joel's prayers get answered.

#TrustJCsProcess

Kevin Hart is getting in the last word after Dwyane Wade buried Hart's 76ers and blasted him on national TV ... telling the NBA star things are about to get REAL in Miami.

You've seen the highlights -- Wade stared down Hart (and Allen Iverson!) after hitting the dagger in Game 2 of the Heat-Sixers series.

Then, in his post-game interviews, Dwyane made a point to credit Kev for his 28-point night -- "You can thank Kevin Hart for that."

Kev clapped back at D-Wade on his flight home -- and it's hilarious.

"Well played, Dwyane. Well played."

"You gonna blame this on me -- blame Kevin Hart? Oh, I see what you're doing. On ESPN, you gonna say that? WELL LET ME TELL YOU SOMETHING, SUCKA! We bout to come to Miami and heat it up, you hear me?"

"I'm frustrated. I'm pissed."