Knicks fans showed they can hold a grudge during Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart’s live show. During ‘The Roommates’ show’s first public event, the crowd broke out into chants of ‘F**k Embiid’. The event, taking place at Central Park, was attended by several raucous Knicks fans, who let their feelings toward the former MVP be known.
“F**K EMBIID” chants in Central Park🗣️ pic.twitter.com/IWENPaMsIn
— Roommates Show (@Roommates__Show) September 8, 2024
Joel Embiid is certainly a polarizing figure in the NBA, but he definitely got under the skin of the Knicks fanbase during the 2024 NBA Playoffs, when he helped the 76ers regularly stay in the series. While the Knicks eventually beat the 76ers in six games, Embiid played great, much to the chagrin of Knicks fans.
Knicks fans have had their passion for the team reinvigorated in the 2020s. After an entire decade of mismanagement and poor performances, the Knicks turned a corner this decade under head coach Tom Thibodeau. And since the arrival of franchise superstar Jalen Bruson, they have become a regular playoff team.
Next season, the Knicks are expected to do even better than just reaching the second round. With the acquisition of Mikal Bridges from the Nets, along with the re-signing of OG Anunoby, the Knicks are one of the favorites to emerge from the Eastern Conference next season and reach the NBA Finals.
It is a sharp and drastic change of fortunes for the Knicks, who have suffered greatly as a franchise in the last few years. For them to be in title contention for the first time since 1999 is great for the fanbase, and the players will be hoping they can deliver the city its first NBA championship in 52 years.
Joel Embiid Has A Lot To Prove Next Season
As for Joel Embiid, maybe he can use this negative reception as motivation for the upcoming season. Embiid has a lot on the line next year with regards to his reputation, as many have questioned him on several different fronts over the last few years. Specifically, his ability to deliver when his team needs him the most.
Embiid has shown that he is capable of having monstrous playoff performances in the past few years. But he hasn’t been able to keep his team in the mix, with the 76ers never making it past the second round in the Eastern Conference for the last few years.
What makes this even more damning is that Embiid has had several superstar-caliber teammates during this time, and he still failed to lead the team well.
Players like Ben Simmons, Jimmy Butler, James Harden, and Tyrese Maxey have all played well in a supporting role at different points, but Embiid hasn’t shown that killer instinct that any elite player in the NBA needs to have.
Perhaps he can change things next season, as he now has a new teammate in Paul George, who is equally hungry for championship success and will try and deliver his best performances alongside Embiid, as the 76ers begin their quest for gold.
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