Has Joel Embiid’s image changed for better or worse during the 2024 NBA playoffs?

Perhaps no player was discussed in more scrutinizing terms than Joel Embiid was during the first round of the 2024 NBA playoffs. Fans stood up for the Philadelphia 76ers center, while detractors also had a field day pointing out the error of his ways. We’ll take stock of what happened to Embiid during his polarizing series with the New York Knicks.

The 76ers lost Game 2 on a wild sequence that ended with Knicks guard Donte DiVincenzo nailing a three pointer to give New York a lead they would not relinquish. Embiid told the media after the contest that the referees missed several calls that allowed New York to retrieve the ball from Philadelphia guard Tyrese Maxey.

While the Philadelphia Inquirer and the NBA’s two-minute report substantiated Embiid’s claim, Yahoo Sports called the center’s complaints a loser’s mentality. Outlets argued that he should have been more focused on the other plays throughout the game that could have given the 76ers a victory in that contest.

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Embiid’s frustration was on full display in Game 3. Early on in the tilt, the 76ers center delivered a knee to the groin of New York center Isaiah Hartenstein. Philadelphia’s former MVP would also kick Mitchell Robinson in the same area after a follow through on a jump shot later.

Perhaps the play that received the most attention happened a little later in Game 3. While on the floor, Embiid grabbed Robinson’s leg as he was going up for a shot. ESPN analyst Jay Williams said that Embiid should have been ejected for that act, as Robinson could have gotten seriously hurt on the play.

Embiid’s questionable pattern of physical play continued in Game 4. After a sequence, the big man appeared to step on the calf of Knicks forward Josh Hart, who was already knocked to the ground.

As if that wasn’t enough, Embiid doled out punishment to Jalen Brunson in that contest as well, as the Knicks guard was struck in the face with a forearm as he went down the lane. In Game 5, Embiid was called for a flagrant foul on Brunson, where the center’s hand hit Brunson in the head. ClutchPoints wrote about how fans were upset by this play.

During the series, ESPN and others pointed out that Embiid actually has more flagrant fouls to his name than does Draymond Green, the latter of which has been involved in some unsportsmanlike conduct of his own. Essentially Sports commented that Embiid’s “dirty” tactics had eclipsed Green’s during this playoff run.

The hits kept on coming for Embiid, who answered a question about a perceived lack of support from 76ers fans at home. He said he was disappointed at the large turnout of Knicks fans in Game 4. “It kind of makes me mad, especially because Philly is considered a sports town. They’ve always shown up, and I don’t think that should happen. Yeah, it’s not OK,” he told USA Today.

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It might be difficult to look at Embiid as anything more than a whiner with less than upstanding conduct on the floor after his list of infractions against the Knicks. However, there are other brighter moments fans can point to in his defense.

Embiid was visibly hobbled throughout the series, and arguably played through an injury that would have sidelined many others. It looked like he might be done for the series after a self-thrown alley-oop in Game 1, where he landed awkwardly. However, Joel Embiid returned to the game, and didn’t miss significant time for the remainder of the series.

Even though it was clear to everyone watching that Embiid’s mobility was limited, he still found a way to terrorize the Knicks’ frontline. His shooting touch was on full display, and used his size on the block to get easier attempts at the basket. Yahoo Sports said Embiid was playing on one leg, and it’s hard to argue with that assessment.

Despite being hampered by the knee, Embiid dropped 50 points in Game 3, scoring every which way in the process. Naysayers will point out that this was the contest that he should have been ejected from after pulling on Robinson’s leg.

It was also revealed that Joel Embiid was playing with Bell’s palsy, a condition that was a form of facial paralysis, according to the NBA’s website. Side effects included blurred vision and dry eyes. It was yet another physical challenge Embiid had to power through, which he did over the course of the six game series.

So much went on with the NBA star in such a short amount of time. At times, it felt like NBA fans were watching a boxer in the fifth round try to hang in and outduel a healthier opponent, which he nearly did. It also felt like there were moments where Embiid’s professionalism hit an all-time low.

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