“I’ve done too much for this city” – Carswellfamilyfoundation

Joel Embiid received a lot of backlash for not being able to play for 76ers this season.

As someone who follows the news and social media, Embiid is fully aware that his character was questioned for resting to deal with a left knee injury months after playing for Team USA at the Paris Stadium. Olympic Games.

The 2023 MVP discussed it after Friday’s practice. And according to Embiid, no one has the right to criticize him for being out of the game after all the injuries he has suffered in the past.

“As far as I can tell you, I cut my face in twice,” Embiid said. “I returned early at the risk of losing my sight. My fingers were broken. I finally returned. So I’m not going to sit here… when I see people saying he doesn’t want to play. I’ve been through too much. I’ve done too much for this city and I’m putting myself at risk if people say that. So I don’t think it’s a (expletive).”

Then Embiid specifically drew attention to the Philadelphia Inquirer columnist. Marcus Hayeswho wrote an article saying that Embiid has no respect for the Sixers, the game, its great players and himself.. Hayes added that Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley, who criticized Embiid, had the right to question him for not playing. Hayes also wrote a column in which he stated that The Sixers must refund fans for games Embiid missed..

“Like, this dude isn’t here, Marcus, whatever his name is,” Embiid continued. “I have done too much for this (expletive) city to be treated like this. So I did too (expletive) too much. But like I said, I wish I was as lucky as others, but that doesn’t mean I don’t try and do everything I can to get there, and I will be there soon. “

Embiid will be stay on the sidelines when the Sixers (1-3) will face the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night at the Wells Fargo Center.

After that, they have a three-game road trip against the Phoenix Suns (Monday), Los Angeles Clippers (Wednesday) and Los Angeles Lakers (Nov. 8). The seven-time All-Star called his return “unpredictable” and did not give a specific date. But he noted that without him, it’s hard to sit and watch his teammates fight.

“I think everyone who knows me knows that I would love to be at every game,” Embiid said. “It’s just unfortunate that some (players) aren’t as fortunate as others to play in every game. I wish it weren’t so, but it’s not for lack of trying. Like I said, mentally you can play, but (I’m) still trying to… mentally get through it the right way, but like I said, everything is going in the right direction.”

30 year old had surgery in February to repair a torn meniscus in the left knee. He returned with seven games remaining in the regular season. Embiid injured his knee in the first round of the playoffs against the New York Knicks. However, he chose to play for Team USA at the Olympics, where he won a gold medal, rather than rest his knee.

“When you get a chance to compete for a gold medal for the United States and represent your country, you can’t pass it up,” Embiid said. “I don’t care what anyone says. It’s just something you can’t refuse. It was nice to win. It was a pleasure to be part of this experience.

“I knew I didn’t have to do what I do with my team, carry the load. To be honest, I didn’t do anything. Essentially, I was (just) there. I had my little moment. We all did it.”

Embiid averaged 11.2 points, 3.8 rebounds, 1.4 assists and 1.0 blocks in 16.8 minutes while starting five of six games at the Olympics. While LeBron James and Stephen Curry led the way, his role was to grab rebounds, set screens, shoot the basket and play defense.

“I never put myself at risk for anything to happen,” he said. “It was the lightest workload of my life. Like I said, it was a great experience and a chance to win something. I know it doesn’t mean anything to the Americans, but winning the gold medal means a lot to me and it was special.”

Although Embiid said the workload was light, there were rumors that he suffered a setback during the Olympics that caused him to miss the entire preseason and at least the first few games.

Embiid only started participating in five-on-five scrimmages a few days ago. Friday was the first time he fully participated in training. Amid reports of knee swelling during training camp, Embiid denied he had any setbacks that forced him out of the game.

“No,” he said. “I just think I had surgery in February for whatever it was and I came back early to fight for the team and play and try to give us a chance, but unfortunately we lost. I had time to recover.

“I’m really still coping since my last surgery. Just managing and trying to find the best approach, but feeling pretty good. I started making something live. So I’m feeling pretty good, so I should be back soon.”

Embiid said a lack of comfort and confidence in his knee is holding him back. He said he wants to show his best and doesn’t want to be in a situation where he’s afraid to make a move.

“It used to be easy,” Embiid said. “But for some reason this one, it’s like mentally just trusting yourself, trusting your body. And I think that’s what I’m dealing with.”