Joel Embiid thinks he is above the rest of us. No player, coach, or owner in professional sports is above criticism. No human being for that matter. Everyone makes mistakes, and everyone is fallible. Not everyone is capable of taking criticism though, and sometimes they react to criticism with outrageous statements.

There has been a lot of discussion, and allegedly an NBA investigation, into the playing time of Embiid for the Philadelphia 76ers. The oft-injured player has expressed a disinterest in playing a full NBA season. This is either his own personal decision or a team decision, but it’s a decision that has come under fire.

In response to criticism through the media and all over social media, Embiid was or acted like he was, taken aback by the negativity. He feels NBA fans, and specifically 76ers fans should place him on a mantle for worship, not burn him in effigy. In response to the outcry, Embiid made the following statement:

“When I see people say he doesn’t want to play, I’ve done way too much for the city, putting myself at risk for people to be saying that.”

Embiid mentions playing through injury, at the risk of aggravating those injuries, and even risking going blind, to fight for his team and the city of brotherly love. Not immune to the self-importance that infects people of celebrity (athletes, actors, musicians), Embiid’s response warrants a follow up question, What has Joel Embiid done for the city of Philadelphia?

What Has Joel Embiid Done For The City Of Philadelphia?

Joel Embiid

Since being taken with the second overall pick in 2014, Embiid has played in 52.5% of his team’s games (433 out of 824). That is quite a noble endeavor. How does it compare to the hours of work that other employees within city limits have put in? In the nation’s first capital, is working every other day the norm?

Embiid has collected $221 million over his career (with another $160 million due). Perhaps having his funds wired bi-weekly into his checking account is something he’s done for the city. There’s no way that $220 million or so could buy a fan in Philadelphia more than what it’s purchased with Embiid, could it?

The 2022 Philadelphia Eagles won the NFC Championship and went to the Super Bowl with a payroll of $227 million. The Phillies won the National League Pennant and went to the World Series with a payroll of $229 million. The city’s MLS affiliate, Philadelphia Union, went to the MLS final with a payroll comparable to what Embiid gets every 17 games ($11 million).

So, what has Philadelphia and the 76ers gotten for their $220 million investment? A sub .500 regular season record since drafting Embiid (404-420), a record that’s one game over .500 in the playoffs (34-33), and they’ve never made it out of the second round in the East.

Parents tell their kids, “If you don’t have anything nice to say, don’t say anything at all.”

This sentiment should be re-taught to athletes like Embiid, who in their own minds (and only there) are saviors of cities and Gods among men. Embiid has done nothing for the city of Philadelphia besides taking money from fans to watch him sit on the bench in street clothes. Perhaps, before he chooses to defend himself from legitimate criticism again, someone should tell Joel Embiid, “If you don’t have something smart to say, don’t say anything at all.”

Read More NBA News From Stadium Rant Here: NBA News