Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid Finds Surprising Ally in ESPN Host Amid 3-Game Suspension: 'Marcus Hayes’ Column Crosses the Line'

Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid is suspended for three games following his physical confrontation with veteran columnist Marcus Hayes, caused by the latters hit piece mentioning the formers late brother and son.

Joel Embiid hasnt made his regular season debut because of a knee injury and has been criticized for it.

However, Paul Hembekides of ESPN jumps to his defense, saying that the amount of criticism toward the 2023 MVP is unfair.

This is a person who has played in the playoffs through an orbital bone fracture through Bells palsy, who has had legitimate major knee concerns and operations and issues and injury dating to his college days, Hembekides said during his recent appearance on Greeny.

Its easy for us and our ivory towers to say that Joel Embiid should play 82 games a year and 30 minutes a night.

Its not reality.

Its not realistic.

And Marcus Hayes, of all people who have theoretically watched every game that Joel Embiid has ever played, should understand that.

You cant be critical that hes load-managing this season and also be critical that hes not.

Theres no question this column crosses the line, he added.

Joel Embiid will make his regular season debut with the Philadelphia 76ers soon After serving his three-game suspension, Joel Embiid will make his much-awaited regular season debut next Tuesday when the Philadelphia 76ers host the New York Knicks .

It also happens to be the opening game of this seasons NBA Cup, where the Philadelphia 76ers have a shot of winning silverware, especially if Embiid is back to his MVP form.

In the meantime, Andre Drummond will continue to start and log heavy minutes at the center position for the Philadelphia 76ers.

This article first appeared on Hardwood Heroics and was syndicated with permission..

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