Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid responded to critics on Friday as he continues to sit out games over concerns about his knee.
Embiid spoke out in response to a column written by Philadelphia Inquirer columnist Marcus Hayes, who argued that the 76ers should offer refunds to fans who bought tickets to games Embiid did not play in. Hayes also referred to Embiid as “the least-dependable superstar in the history of the game” and questioned the center’s professionalism.
That bothered Embiid, who went on a profane rant directed at Hayes and other critics who, in his mind, are questioning the legitimacy of his physical issues and his willingness to play.
“Everybody has been on the same page. If your body doesn’t react well and your body tells you one thing — I’ve done it,” Embiid told reporters. “From what I can tell you, I’ve broken my face twice. I came back early with the risk of losing my vision. I had broken fingers. I still came back so I’m not gonna sit here and be like, when I see people saying he doesn’t want to play. I’ve done way too much for this city and putting myself at risk for people to be saying that so I do think it’s bulls–t.
“Like, that dude, he’s not here, Marcus whatever his name is. I’ve done way too much for this f—ing city to be treated like this. I’ve done way too f—ing much. Like I said, I wish I was as lucky as other ones, but that doesn’t mean that I’m not trying and that I’m not doing whatever it takes to be out there which I’m gonna be here pretty soon.”
Sixers center Joel Embiid on if there was a moment that led to his deciding to shut things down after the Olympic. He also talked the about the criticism he’s received over not play. pic.twitter.com/eGezZOVoQF
— Keith Pompey (@PompeyOnSixers) November 1, 2024
Embiid has yet to play this season with what the Sixers are calling “left knee injury management.” That has fueled the perception that Embiid is healthy enough to play, but is sitting out early season games anyway. A recent report has certainly disputed that characterization, and an NBA investigation found that Embiid is dealing with a legitimate injury as well.
Embiid’s health has become a huge point of frustration for the Sixers and their fans. It did not help that, before the season, he outright said he might never play in back-to-backs again. The Sixers want him healthy for a playoff run, which is understandable, but the way this season has started for him is not particularly encouraging.
