Philadelphia 76ers’ VJ Edgecombe Defends Joel Embiid Amid Criticism: "He Wants To Play"

The Philadelphia 76ers (33-26) barely scraped out a win over the Miami Heat on Thursday night, 124-117.

With roughly two minutes to go in the fourth quarter, the 76ers led by a single point before Kelly Oubre Jr. knocked down a three-pointer to extend the lead to four. The 121-117 score remained steady for over a minute before Joel Embiid nailed the game-sealing shot from the arc with less than 30 seconds left.

Embiid went to the locker room earlier in the contest after appearing to be hit in the ribs, but he was able to return to action shortly after. The seven-time All-Star finished with 26 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists on 40% shooting and 2 of 6 shooting from three-point range in 31 minutes.

V.J. Edgecombe came to the defense of Embiid following the game, as the 76ers rookie was asked what it shows that Embiid returned to the game despite the hit to the ribs.

"I think that shows a lot. The media makes it seem like he don’t want to play basketball," Edgecombe said, per PHLY Sixers. "Like, come on, he’s out there in pain, he made a big shot at the end of the game, he barely could raise his right hand up, but that just shows his character too. He cares about winning."

Embiid is often criticized for missing time, as many believe he could be playing more often or through certain injuries. However, Edgecombe reassured the media that's not the case.

Edgecombe continued, "It’s Joel Embiid, bro. That’s what we talking about right now, so I know they try to just paint this bad picture about him, but it's not true, man. I'm going to say it here: it's not true. He wants to play, and he wants to do his best for the team and do what's best for him."

It's clear the chemistry in the 76ers' locker room is stronger than ever.

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