Joel Embiid has been the face of Philadelphia sports for the last few years. The former NBA MVP has defined โThe Processโ in Philly and has taken to the city like none other. However, the wind might be changing in Philly after ESPNโs Stephen A Smith reported that the city may have turned their back on Embiid.
Stephen A Smith, appearing on First Take, claimed that there have been whispers about the townsfolk being upset by Joel Embiidโs recent behavior. These reports emerged after news broke of a heavy-handed confrontation between Embiid and star teammate Tyrese Maxey. Smith reported that following Maxeyโs comments to Embiid, many people may side with the young guard if asked to choose.
Reports of a dispute in the locker room of the Philadelphia 76ers emerged over the last few days, prompting Smithโs comments about Joel Embiid. But that wasnโt all. Smith also claimed that many in Philadelphia had noticed a change in the Star Centerโs behavior following his 3-year $192 million contract extension this offseason.
Discontent for Joel Embiid has been evident in the city, with scathing reports from local reporters emerging over the last few weeks. Unfortunately for Embiid, his recent skirmish with the media has not helped his case either.
Joel Embiid reveals emotions after 2-11 start to season
All eyes have been on the health of Joel Embiid since the start of the season. He has only played three games for the Sixers, missing the teamโs first nine games to rehab his injury. After the 76ers fell to the Miami Heat on Monday, Embiid took the time to address the media about the team and his own struggles.
โI really want to empower all of our guys to succeed, but this is a learning experience for me and for us because we have a lot of new guys. โฆ But weโve got that record, and something needs to be done about it,โ Embiid told reporters after the game.
Joel Embiid says he may need to be more aggressive: “I really want to empower all of our guys to succeed, but this is a learning experience for me and for us because we have a lot of new guys. โฆ But we’ve got that record and something needs to be done about it.”
โ Tim Reynolds (@ByTimReynolds) November 19, 2024
Even after returning to the Sixers starting lineup, Joel Embiid has not looked himself so far. So far this season, he has averaged just 14.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 4.0 assists in 3 games while shooting a horrid 32.4% from the field. More importantly, his movements on the court have looked tentative and often sluggish.
As the Sixers gear up to take on an undermanned Memphis Grizzlies squad, the team will desperately hope their franchise superstar can regain some of his MVP form.