Joel Embiid told Yahoo Sports that Sixers fans want to see him traded?
Well, this is probably the biggest “nothing burger” I’ve seen in the headlines today, but whenever Joel Embiid speaks to the media, of course we’re going to take notice.
When speaking to Jake Fischer of Yahoo Sports, Embiid said “I don’t know. Sixers fans, they want to trade me.” Fischer then followed up by asking if Embiid truly believes that to be the case and Embiid responded: “I do believe that. They want to trade me.”
That of course, has sparked quite stir on social media this morning. Of course, it’s the internet and headlines dominate the click-world. So if you ACTUALLY click on the Yahoo article, here’s the full quote for context, which changes the entire tone of Embiid’s statement.
A twinkle in his eye? Relax Jake, Embiid is a married man while a child. Grab some water.
Also, talk about a RAT. Mike Chiari from The Bleacher Report should be ashamed with his article. Check this fool out.
Embiid is currently averaging a career-high 33.3 points per game with the 76ers this season. He’ll almost certainly be an All-Star for the sixth time and will find himself in the mix yet again to take home the NBA MVP Award. In the month of December alone, Embiid has averaged 39.2 points per game and 9.8 rebounds per game all while shooting 60.5% from the floor and 53.8% from three point range.
In case you need it written out for you, Embiid is leading the entire NBA in scoring this year and won his first scoring title last year averaging 30.6 points per game to go along with 11.7 rebounds, 4.2 assists, 1.5 blocks, and 1.4 three-pointers made, good for second place in the MVP race (again) behind Nikola Jokic.
Of course, with the 76ers and Embiid specifically, the real frustration comes when the playoffs roll around but it’s hardly his fault. Embiid has consistently battled through freak injuries around the playoff time and it’s hard to imagine the Sixers’ bad fortune would continue if he, Harris, Harden, and Maxey can enter this year’s playoffs healthy.
Unlike the years prior, the 76ers are much deeper on the bench as well. De’Anthony Melton, Danuel House Jr, and Montrezl Harrell were all significant newcomers to Philly this year and PJ Tucker, although it might not look like it during the regular season, was built for the playoffs when the pace of play slows and teams work out of half court sets, putting a major emphasis on defense.
The Philadelphia 76ers are currently 15-12 on the season and in fifth place in the Eastern Conference. Harden missed a month of playing time and Maxey will be out over month with a small foot fracture. Embiid also missed a week of action.
Joel Embiid in December
- 39.2 PPG
- 9.8 RPG
- 60.5 FG%
- 53.8 3P%
Back to Embiid’s comments, obviously the smirk would indicate that you should hardly take him seriously. He knows damn well that real 76ers fans don’t want to see him go anywhere. It’s honestly nothing I would take seriously and is the sole reason Embiid calls himself “Troel Embiid.” Sure, there are total morons on the internet that think you can’t win with a big man in today’s NBA but Joel Embiid isn’t your stereotypical big man so that renders the point completely useless.
Embiid did note that he’s grateful to be a franchise player in Philadelphia and that it’s definitely not an easy position to be in. It’s hard to argue that point. The pieces around him have been in and out the door and “The Process” itself was a long, strenuous era of Sixers basketball that no one with half of a brain actually enjoyed.
At the end of the day, all is well in Philadelphia and Joel Embiid knows that.
Up Next: The 76ers have won three straight and will host the Golden State Warriors on Friday night.
Game Highlights: 76ers vs. Kings | 12.13.22
Originally tweeted by Philadelphia 76ers (@sixers) on December 14, 2022.
