Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid fired back against criticism surrounding his availability and conditioning Friday while he continues to rehab a left knee injury.
“When I see people saying, ‘He doesn’t want to play’ – I’ve done way too much for this city, putting myself at risk, for people to be saying that,” said Embiid, via PHLY Sports’ Kyle Neubeck.
Embiid’s remarks come after the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Marcus Hayes commented on the big man’s health and weight Wednesday.
“Embiid showed up to training camp out of shape again and couldn’t get ready for the start of the season, so to minimize the risk of further injuries and to increase his chances of actually making it through an entire season for the first time in his decade of NBA employment, (the Sixers) have instituted a personalized fat camp,” Hayes wrote.
“I do think it’s bullshit,” Embiid said. “That dude, he’s not here, Marcus, I’ve done way too much for this f—–g city to be treated like this.”
The All-Star has yet to play this season. He missed 29 games last campaign due to meniscus surgery, but he returned in the playoffs and competed in the Olympics for the United States.
Embiid, 30, was a full participant in practice for the first time Friday alongside Paul George, who has also yet to play this season after joining the Sixers in the offseason.
Both players will remain out for Saturday’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies, the team announced. Philadelphia sits at 1-3 following a defeat to the Detroit Pistons.
The Sixers were fined $100,000 on Tuesday for public statements that were inconsistent with Embiid’s health status and in violation of the league’s player participation policy.
