Joel Embiid was clearly frustrated that the press didn’t show him the respect he felt he deserved as a superstar.
When healthy, Joel Embiid is one of the most impressive players in the NBA. The problem is Embiid is rarely healthy.
The 2023 NBA MVP has struggled to stay fit over the years, even missing much of last season with multiple bruises.
But in his preseason debut against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Embiid had 14 points and seven rebounds and looked like the superstar we know him to be.
What was more interesting was his passing, for which Embiid had eight assists. When asked about adding playmaking to his skill set, the former All-Star grilled reporters in the room.
Joel Embiid spoke to reporters after the first preseason game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Embiid took the opportunity to vent his frustrations by discussing the assists he received from outlet passes.
Embiid joked about being left off The Athletic’s list of top 100 players, adding that he wants to encourage his players to take easy shots. He added that this is because it will help the team and reduce the physical strain.
“I watch all of them. I’m here to help. I’m not even a top 100 basketball player in this league, according to a lot of my peers.
“So I think I just have to adapt and figure out where I can help the team win. If that’s playing defense or stretching the floor, that’s what I’ll do.”
“But we have a lot of athletes, so we have to let them go. Their job is to run when they get the ball. My job is to try to find them.”
“In a way, it saves me. With easy baskets, you don’t have to run and run, you just have to pace them and attack them. And if we don’t have anything, I’ve always tried different methods in my career.”
For Joel Embiid, who won MVP just a few years ago, it’s completely ridiculous to be left off the list of the NBA’s 100 best players.
Especially considering Zion Williamson, who has also struggled with injuries, came in at No. 45 on the list.
Regardless of his health, we know and have seen what he is capable of on the basketball court. But there are arguments to be made against him.
It’s been a while since we’ve seen Embiid fully healthy, so we don’t know what he looks like. Embiid appears to be healthy, at least for now, as Nick Nurse said Embiid would play in the 76ers’ season opener.
And Embiid hinted at changing his game heading into the season in order to stay healthy. Perhaps his preseason display was a sampler of how he would play now.