Joel Embiid He got a lot of backlash for not playing 76ers this season.

As someone who follows the news and social media, Embiid is fully aware that his character was being questioned for resting with a left knee injury months after playing for Team USA in Paris. Olympics.

The 2023 MVP discussed this after practice on Friday. And according to Embiid, no one has the right to criticize him for being sidelined after his past injuries.

“As far as I can tell you, I broke my face twice,” Embiid said. “I returned early at the risk of losing my eyesight. My fingers were broken. Still I came back. So I’m not going to sit here… when I see people saying he doesn’t want to play. I’ve been through so much. I’ve done so much for this city and I’ve put myself at risk for people to say so. So I don’t think it’s (expletive).

” READ MORE: Joel Embiid and Paul George are full participants in Sixers practice but will not play against the Grizzlies.

Embiid then turned his attention specifically to the Philadelphia Inquirer columnist. Marcus Hayeswrote an article stating this Embiid disrespects the Sixers, the game, its great players and himself. Hayes added that Embiid’s critics, Shaquille O’Neal and Charles Barkley, have the right to question him for not playing. Hayes also wrote an op-ed stating: Sixers should refund fans for games Embiid missed.

“Like, that guy isn’t here, Marcus, whatever his name is,” Embiid continued. “I’ve done too much for this (expletive) city to be treated this way. That’s why I did so much (expletive). But like I said, I wish I was as lucky as others, but that doesn’t mean I don’t strive and do whatever it takes to be there, and I will be here very soon. .”

Embiid’s will Sixers will stay away from the field (1-3) will face the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night at the Wells Fargo Center.

They will then embark on 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 an exact date. However, he stated that it was difficult to sit and watch his teammates struggle without him.

“I think everyone who knows me knows that I want to be there every game,” Embiid said. “It’s unfortunate that some players are not as lucky as others to be a part of every game. I wish this wasn’t the case, but it’s not for lack of trying. Like I said, you can play mentally, but (I’m) still trying to get mentally right, but like I said, everything is moving in the right direction.

30 year old I had surgery in February to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee. He returned with seven games left in the regular season. Embiid suffered a knee injury in the first round of the play-off series against the New York Knicks. However, instead of resting his knee, he chose to play for Team USA in the Olympics, where he won the gold medal.

“When you get the chance to compete for a gold medal for the USA 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 give up. It felt good to win. It felt good to be a part of that experience.

“I knew how to go in, I didn’t have to do what I did with my team, which was carry the load. Honestly, I didn’t do anything. I was basically (just) there. I had my little moment. We all did that.”

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 during the Olympics. With LeBron James and Stephen Curry leading the way, his role was to grab rebounds, set screens, drive to the basket and play defense.

“I never put myself at risk of anything happening,” he said. “This was the easiest load I’ve ever had in my life. Like I said, it was a great experience and having the 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 that was very special.”

Although Embiid said his workload was easy, there was some speculation that he suffered a setback during the Olympic Games, causing him to miss the entire preseason and at least the first few games.

” READ MORE: How bad are the Sixers without Joel Embiid and Paul George? The numbers show they are one of the worst teams in the NBA.

Embiid didn’t start participating in five-on-five games until a few days ago. He participated fully in training for the first time on Friday. Amid reports of a swollen knee during training camp, Embiid denied suffering any setbacks that would keep him sidelined.

“No,” he said. “I think I had surgery in February and came back early to compete for the team and play and give us a chance and unfortunately we lost. I had time to recover.

“I’ve been doing really well since the last surgery. I’m just managing and trying to find the best approach but I’m feeling pretty good. I started doing live things. So it feels pretty good, so I should go back very soon.

Embiid said he was held back by his lack of comfort and confidence in his knee. He said he wanted to do his best and didn’t want to be in a situation where he was afraid to make a move.

“This was easy in the past,” Embiid said. “But for some reason it’s like trusting yourself mentally, trusting your body. And I think that’s what I’m really struggling with.