Joel Embiid, the Philadelphia 76ers’ star center, seems to be responding to his critics in a way only he can.
Amidst the scrutiny he’s faced during Team USA’s tune-up scrimmages ahead of the Paris Olympics, Embiid has taken to social media to address his detractors.
During these recent scrimmages, Embiid’s performance has been less than stellar. Over three games, he has appeared sluggish as the team’s starting center.
This has led to a growing chorus of voices suggesting that Team USA should bench Embiid in favor of Anthony Davis, who has shown remarkable agility and effectiveness in the exhibition matches.
One of the most glaring examples of Embiid’s struggles came during a scrimmage against Serbia, a team led by his NBA rival, Nikola Jokic. Embiid managed to score only eight points, shooting a disappointing 2-for-8 from the field. His attempts to draw fouls, a tactic he often employs in the NBA, were unsuccessful under the stricter FIBA rules, further highlighting his off-form performance.
In response to the criticism, Embiid took to Instagram with a subtle yet pointed message. Observant social media users noticed that the “Email” button on Embiid’s profile now links to an address: “s*my**@yahoo.fr.” The French domain name is a nod to the upcoming Olympics in Paris, and it’s not difficult to guess what the censored part of the email might be suggesting. This appears to be a direct message to his international basketball critics, especially considering Embiid’s choice to play for Team USA over France.
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Embiid, a former MVP known for his playful and trolling nature, has never shied away from engaging with his critics. Earlier this summer, he showcased his trolling prowess on several occasions.
However, his recent Instagram update clearly indicates that he is not intimidated by the criticism and is, in fact, inviting his detractors to voice their complaints directly to his “complaints department.”
Despite the criticism and his recent performances, Embiid’s message is clear: he is not backing down. As the Paris Olympics approach, all eyes will be on Embiid to see if he can silence his critics with his performance on the court.
