There’s no denying Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid’s play at the 2024 Paris Olympics is a bit underwhelming.
While he doesn’t need to contribute more for Team USA to walk away with gold, fans expect more out of the 2023 MVP. It’s not just the public who are looking for greater production, but NBA analysts as well.
This includes analyst and 76ers legend Charles Barkley, who ripped into Embiid on a recent episode of ‘Podcast P with Paul George’.
“I think that's one of the reasons he's always injured. I don't think he's in good enough shape,” Barkley shared. “You got to be a little bit embarrassed by the way you played.”
Barkley made his disapproval clear, but to say the Sixers big man should be embarrassed is a bit of a stretch. In their final group phase game against Puerto Rico, Embiid recorded 15 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks on 6 of 14 shooting. While it wasn't the most efficient game, it was arguably his best with Team USA. The superstar took it a step further once boos poured in during the final seconds of play.
The comment is a bit ironic, as it wasn’t uncommon to hear Barkley and out of shape in the same sentence during his playing career. Embiid is never one to shy away from a reply, so fans should look out for a comical response in the coming days.
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