Charles Barkley has voiced strong criticism of Joel Embiid in light of recent developments. In September, Embiid signed a lucrative three-year, $192.9 million contract extension with the Philadelphia 76ers. However, as the season commenced, the team announced that Embiid would be sitting out to rest his knee. Concerns grew when it seemed he might also miss multiple games, leading to an NBA investigation into the situation.
On a recent episode of TNT’s Inside The NBA, Barkley did not hold back in his assessment of Embiid’s choices. He pointed out that Embiid’s substantial contract is for playing basketball, not for taking breaks. Barkley stated, “We’re not steel workers or nurses; people with real jobs work 40-50 hours a week. We’re playing basketball, at most, 4 days a week, usually 3.” This comment highlighted his frustration with the perception that professional athletes might take time off despite their high salaries.
Barkley previously criticized Embiid for his decision to refrain from playing in back-to-back games, emphasizing that as one of the league’s elite players, he should set a better example. Barkley argued that leaders should not publicly declare their intention to skip certain games, as this sends a negative message to teammates and fans alike.
Overall, Barkley’s comments reflect a broader concern about player management and accountability in the NBA. He expressed disappointment in Embiid’s approach, stressing that players of his caliber should prioritize their commitment to the game and their teams. As the conversation around player rest and health continues, Barkley’s perspective adds a critical voice to the ongoing debate about expectations for star athletes.
