Joel Embiid is speaking out about the criticism he's received for not playing in the Philadelphia 76ers first four games of the regular season. Embiid has been listed out with what the team has called "left knee injury management," an injury that had not been disclosed until preseason started.
Embiid previously tore his meniscus late in the regular season last year but managed to return for the playoffs and was a full participant for Team USA during the Paris Olympics. So when he popped up on the injury report during preseason and then started missing regular season games, the criticism started raining down. But the league MVP, who was a full participant in Friday's practice, took aim at those criticizing him.
"When I see people saying, 'he doesn't want to play,' I've done way too much for this city, putting myself at risk for people to be saying that," Embiid said. "I do think it's bull----. ... I've done way too much for this f------ city to be treated like this. Done way too f------ much. But like I said, I wish I was as lucky as other ones, but that doesn't mean I'm not trying and not doing whatever it takes to be out there, which I'm going to be here pretty soon."
Wish I could put myself at risk by playing 60 games a year to make $50 million