Why does the 76ers’ Joel Embiid think that fans of the team want him to be traded?

One thing that we’ve come to learn about Joel Embiid, is that he’s never shied away from giving his opinion. Most recently, the Sixers star made a rather curious comment when speaking about the fans in Philly.

Joel Embiid thinks 76ers fans want him out

When you take a look at Joel Embiid, it’s almost impossible not to rank the Philadelphia 76ers star among the best players in recent years. Having finished second in MVP voting in each of the past two seasons and likely to be among the last standing when this year’s season is over, Embiid has been top tier consistently. This of course, makes his recent statement about the team’s fans all the more eye brow raising. Speaking recently, Embiid indicated that he believes the Philly aren’t happy with him anymore. “Sixers fans, they want to trade me,” Embiid said. “I do believe that. They want to trade me.”

Now here’s the thing: when it comes to Embiid, it can be somewhat difficult to figure out whether he’s being serious or simply a little cheeky. Where his most recent comments are concerned, we’re banking on the idea that the five-time NBA All-Star was just engaging in a little banter with a fan base that has been known to switch things up quite quickly. That’s not to say there isn’t often truth in a joke. It’s also worth mentioning that this isn’t the first time that Embiid has alluded to such an idea in this season. Back when the team was on a 0-3 record, the big man poked fun at fans saying the probably wanted him and the rest of the roster shifted to the G League.

Is there any truth to Joel Embiid’s words?

If we take a look at Embiid and the 76ers, one would have to imagine that yes, there are some indeed who would like to see the center’s departure. Yet, what is certain is that they are in the minority. It goes without saying that if the 76ers are going to get their hands on a trophy, they will need Embiid to do it and more importantly, fans know that. In truth, since he was drafted by the team back in 2014, he’s become Philadelphia’s equivalent of the Warriors’ Steph Curry, or the Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks), which is to say not only a long serving member of the team, but an icon.

“It’s not easy. But then again, I love it. I love the challenge,” Embiid said. “I’m always telling myself, if I make it happen, good. If I don’t make it happen, I know I tried. The ultimate goal is to get to the Finals and win a championship. It doesn’t matter if I lose in the first round, second round, conference finals, that doesn’t mean anything to me. There’s nothing to be happy about, about just getting to the conference finals or the Finals. You gotta win the whole thing. That’s the goal. And every single day it’s just trying to find ways I can make that happen.” Ultimately, Embiid has yet to take the Sixers to a title, but he’s essentially the reason they’ve come within touching distance of one in recent seasons. At 28-years-old and sensational on either side of the court, he’s quite frankly one of the best in the league. That’s all to say, the thought of trading him is almost ridiculous, but stranger things have happened in the NBA.