Joel Embiid has been the subject of criticism lately and is apparently not too happy in Philadelphia. Embiid publicly responded to the criticism on Instagram with a message “You either die a hero or live long enough to see yourself become the villain.” It was noticed by Heat’s Jimmy Butler who wrote “I know a place where villains are welcome.”
The exchange suggests that Butler is telling Embiid to join him in Miami. Butler himself had a bad reputation in Minnesota and Philadelphia before joining the Heat.
Possible ‘flirting’ with the Heat attracted more criticism towards Embiid. Sports analyst Nick Wright pointed that the Sixers and the Heat could meet in the first round of the playoffs, which means Embiid is flirting with his potential competition.
Wright compared this situation to that of Kevin Durant and the Warriors, except that this time it’s public. And Wright hates it:
“Miami & Philly would be playing each other in the 1st round of the playoffs. Joel Embiid’s out here flirting with his potential competition. … He’s doing what KD did with the Warriors, but Embiid is doing it publicly. I hate this.”
Nick Wright
