Strong Disagree: Joel Embiid called out by Stephen A. Smith on live television in embarrassing claim

Alright, I’ve had enough. I’m a Sixers fan through and through, which means I’m used to the chaos, the heartbreak, and the endless cycle of madness. But this week? Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’re probably aware of the Joel Embiid situation. Which has obviously circulated into the national media, so obviously Stephen A. Smith would be expressing his opinion to the sports world. Which is one that I agree with entirely The man is DONE with Joel Embiid? LOL, shocker.

How are we seriously questioning Embiid’s work ethic? The man won MVP two years ago and should have won it last year if it wasn’t for injury. He’s been the face of the Sixers for almost a decade, dragging this team through injuries, bad roster moves, and, oh yeah, the Ben Simmons saga. Do people forget he played hurt in the playoffs? It’s at the point where people expect him to suit up in a cast and crutches next time to “prove” his commitment.

Now, I’m not blind. The second-round exits hurt—I’m still in my feelings about all of them, truly—but pinning it all on Embiid is lazy. The guy does everything on the basketball court and is truly one of the best all-around big men the league has ever seen.

Stephen A. Smith on Joel Embiid

What’s truly missing in all of this discourse surrounding Joel Embiid, whether it’s from Stephen A. or just some angry Sixers fan is everything the big fella has endured. You people do realize he is a human being right? He bleeds and cries just like we do. I’m not claiming he’s perfect or should be left completely off the hook in this situation, but let’s not kid ourselves here. This entire situation that got leaked to the media was entirely blown out of proportion.

As for the comment from Stephen A. Smith about Embiid changing since getting paid, yeah, no shit sherlock. We all bitched and moaned all offseason for him to find a way to just show up into the NBA Playoffs, and they appeared to finally put some sort of plan in place for that work. And in shocking news to literally no-one, he’s getting ripped for that too. I can’t imagine being Embiid where has to seemingly walk on egg shells everyday to avoid criticisms.

Shams the rat clears up Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey’s relationship

.@ShamsCharania provides insight into Tyrese Maxey and Joel Embiid’s relationship after Maxey called out Embiid for his tardiness and its impact on the team ✍️ pic.twitter.com/jxZ7PwnNIA

— First Take (@FirstTake) November 20, 2024

This city doesn’t get guys like Embiid often. He’s a generational talent, and instead of appreciating him, people want to nitpick and push him out the door. Guess what? When he does leave (and I hate even thinking about that), these same people will be crying about what could’ve been. So keep hating if you want, but the real ones are riding with Joel. Always have, always will. Trust the damn Process. Or quit, and claim you want to trade him like a total loser. The choice is yours.

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