Joel Embiid is one of the greatest players in NBA history, but no one would know it the way he’s talked about. There has never been a more disrespected player in NBA history than Embiid, and there is not a close second. One of the most underappreciated stars to ever touch the hardwood deserves better.
Narratives surrounding Embiid are endless, but all of them have one specific thing in common. They are all based on negative emotions towards him. Whether it’s playoff performances or injury-riddled seasons, people never dive into what is happening.
The playoff dropper narrative that has been placed on Embiid is one of the most ridiculous narratives that has absolutely zero substance. He is so good in the regular season that when he averages 30 points in the playoffs, he is considered a horrible playoff performer. If he were worse in the regular season and only averaged 25 like normal stars, his stats would reflect those of some of the greatest of all time.
Embiid has also been surrounded by a narrative about his injuries since he was drafted. He has been called soft and portrayed as someone who is not determined to play. The truth is that he pushes to play every game, even when his body is uncooperative.
Embiid’s career has been riddled with injuries. These injuries have been treated by a dysfunctional organization that began its new superstar’s career by having him work with an intern on his injuries. The malpractice that has taken place throughout his career would be detrimental to many, but he has continued to persevere.
From foot injuries to Bell’s palsy, Embiid has dealt with it all. His work ethic has been questioned nonstop throughout his career. The misconception that he is soft is laughable. He has played through every injury thrown at him, determined to hold himself accountable. He is doing all of this just to please the fans who are hating on him every chance they get.
Embiid was putting up numbers that hadn’t been seen since Wilt Chamberlain. Doing things that only a literal statistical unicorn has done goes to show how great he is. Chamberlain leads all centers in career scoring with 30.1 PPG. Second place is Embiid with 27.7 PPG, doing so with 14 fewer minutes per game than Chamberlain.
The former MVP has had all his accomplishments diminished out of pure hatred and lack of knowledge. The one indisputable thing is the actual stats. Averaging more points per game than Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and other all-time greats should earn him some credit amongst fans and media. Well, it would if his name weren’t Embiid.
A big man with Embiid’s skill does not come along very often. Offensive ability only comparable to NBA legend Hakeem Olajuwon is high praise, but it’s been earned based on what Embiid has done. No one can replicate the things he does on offense.
Embiid has dealt with everything throughout his great career and has not received the deserved praise. It was not until recently that he was talked about positively. A legendary player has never been as disrespected as he is, and it makes no sense.
The statistical greatness Embiid has presented through his career has been comparable only to the greats. One of the most skilled players that has ever graced the NBA has never received an ounce of respect. Hopefully, that will change before his career is over.
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