As somebody who calls himself “Troel” every so often, it is secure to say that Joel Embiid is effectively conscious of the trolling sport within the NBA’s social media areas.
THE Philadelphia 76ers The middle seemingly noticed the hundreds of photographs thrown at him as a result of he was a top-tier NBA expertise with no main title to point out for it.
Throughout his annual Media Day look Monday, Embiid mocked that narrative regardless of having simply gained a gold medal on the Paris Olympics.
“It was enjoyable to win,” the veteran middle mentioned. “I lastly gained one thing. I lastly made it to the convention finals and gained one thing, in order that was enjoyable,” he mentioned with a smile.
Embiid’s journey to Paris got here on the heels of a disappointing exit within the 2024 NBA Playoffs. After defeating the Miami Warmth within the NBA Play-In event, the Sixers launched into a first-round collection in opposition to the New York Second-seeded Knicks.
On the time, Embiid had simply had knee surgical procedure and was coping with well being points past his knee restoration. Whereas he overcame setbacks and was a giant assist in his crew’s two wins, the Sixers got here up brief in opposition to New York, dropping 4-2 in six video games.
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With Workforce USA’s gold medal-winning crew, Embiid had the chance to rinse his mouth of the unhealthy style of an early exit. Now he has confidence in his crew’s new squad because it prepares for one more season.
“I actually have a whole lot of confidence in these guys,” Embiid mentioned of the Sixers roster whereas describing himself as a decoy. “Permit them to be themselves and be good at what they do greatest.”
The previous MVP discovered motivation by chasing solo accolades prior to now. This 12 months, Embiid plans to wash his slate and easily win the title. If getting previous the NBA Convention Finals requires the star middle going up in opposition to guys like Tyrese Maxey and Paul George, then Embiid appears greater than prepared to share the rock this 12 months.