Joel Embiid wasted no time taking shots at NBA media.
The 76ers star returned to the court for the first time in nearly eight months after having arthroscopic surgery on his left knee and blasted journalists after a strong performance in a 126-110 preseason win over the Timberwolves at Xfinity Mobile Arena on Friday night.
“I see all these guys,” Embiid said. “I’m here to help out. According to a lot of your peers [in the media], I’m not even a top-100 basketball player in this league. So, I guess I just gotta fit in and see where I can help the team win.”
He did not clarify exactly who or what the dig was directed toward.
Still, the former MVP has slid down several publications’ player rankings before the season after playing in just a combined 58 games over the past two campaigns.
Embiid, who averaged 23.8 points, 8.2 rebounds and 4.4 assists in 19 games last season, was ranked No. 47 on ESPN’s top 100 players list.
He was No. 8 last season.
The Ringer had him listed at No. 54 and Bleacher Report at No. 26 on their respective lists.
It was only the preseason, but a leaner Emiid certainly looked in All-Star form against Minnesota.
He posted 14 points, seven rebounds, eight assists and three steals on 5-for-10 shooting, including 2-for-4 from behind the arc.
“I don’t want to really think about the past,” Embiid told reporters. “I’m just in a good space mentally, physically. … I’m just happy to touch the basketball and be able to play basketball and do what I love.
“When you don’t get (to do) that, it’s tough, but that’s what I’m most happy about. So today, tonight, that’s all I kept thinking about. I’m on the court playing basketball, doing some good things, helping us win and yeah, that’s really what I was focused on.”
Philadelphia coach Nick Nurse was impressed with what he saw from his star as the team looks to return to the playoffs after going 24-58 in a season that quickly turned disastrous.
“I thought he moved good, played good, shot it good, passed it good,” Nurse said. “ I didn’t see too many negatives out there.”
