Joel Embiid recently shared his confusion regarding the hate he has been receiving from NBA fans over the past several years. The majority of the basketball community knows that Embiid is the franchise superstar for the Philadelphia 76ers. Embiid and his squad were eliminated from the first round of the playoffs last season by Jalen Brunson and the New York Knicks.
Since Embiid decided to represent Team USA in the upcoming 2024 Paris Olympics, he and all the other stars have been given a fair amount of attention. During a podcast, Joel expressed his curiosity regarding the fans’ reported hatred against him. With that being said, let us take a closer look and find out more.
Fans viciously attack Joel Embiid for feigning ignorance
Every single star in the league has a fair amount of supporters and critics. Some are more heavily criticized for several reasons. In the case of Joel Embiid, fans believe he pretended to have no idea why he was disliked while knowing the truth all along.
“I’m probably the most hated guy in the league. I don’t know why cuz, I’m just cool. I don’t know what’s there to hate about me. I feel like a lot of people can relate to my story and what I’ve been through.”
Joel Embiid doesn’t understand why fans hate on him
“I’m probably the most hated guy in the league. I don’t know why cuz, I’m just cool. I don’t know what’s there to hate about me.”
(🎥 @TheCheckBall / h/t @EmbiidIsHere )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) July 24, 2024
Upon hearing Embiid, one of the other members of the cast tried to suggest an explanation, “I think it’s the injuries.” However, this explanation did not rest well with fans. They were quick to point out that Embiid’s flopping, foul baiting, and other antics without any real postseason success were the true reason he is seriously disliked.
Because he cried his way into an MVP and also he hasn’t reached conference finals yet lol
— JBond 🍌 (@jbondwagon) July 24, 2024
Because he’s the biggest flopper in nba history ?
— Emo Jimmy (@WheelerJaylen) July 24, 2024
Maybe because he tries to injure other players and whines when he loses?
— evin (@KayvonOjulari) July 24, 2024
While it is certainly possible that Embiid’s playstyle simply makes him unlikeable, one should wonder if he has been subject to an unfair amount of negativity. Moreover, finding a solution might be something that Joel Embiid considers important.
What can Embiid do to change the narrative surrounding him?
There is no quick fix for changing any narrative or opinion. If Joel Embiid truly wants to change the narrative that fans have around him, all he needs to do is address the issues in his game that have been pointed out. If he is able to do so, the NBA world will soon start to view him in a different light.
The present is undoubtedly the best time to start. Embiid is currently representing Team USA. If he is able to have a few impressive games and take on a more aggressive role, the opinions that fans have about him will already begin to change.