Joel Embiid 'shocked' Doc Rivers got fired by 76ers
The first nugget of potential Joel Embiid discontent in Philadelphia has arrived following Doc Rivers’ firing.
“I am here to tell you right now, Joel Embiid wasn’t happy that Doc Rivers got fired. Not from everything that I’m hearing, and I worked in Philadelphia for 17 years, and I still know a lot of people within the Philadelphia 76ers organization. I ain’t guessing. I’m telling you,” ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith said in the lead-up to the NBA Draft Lottery on Tuesday.
76ers president Daryl Morey was asked about Smith’s report at a Wednesday press conference and confirmed the superstar’s frustration with the decision.
“They had a strong relationship,” Morey told reporters. “I have to make tough calls all the time with trades Joel was disappointed in… I think it’s natural to be very close with the people in the locker room. He was very close with coach Rivers and was shocked with the change. It’s my job to help convince him that the new coach is someone he’ll have a great relationship with.”
Smith speculated that James Harden could be behind Rivers’ firing and the next coach could be telling.
“If (Mike) D’Antoni is the next head coach because we all know that’s who James Harden wants, and Daryl Morey is the person in the position to give him exactly what he wants,” Smith said.
Joel Embiid was not happy to see his coach fired after three seasons Getty Images
“If that were to transpire, imagine how ridiculous that is. Joel Embiid is the reigning league MVP, a 7-foot-1 behemoth of a man, one of the most talented big men we have ever seen. Clearly, the face of the franchise, but the franchise would be capitulating to James Harden.”
Harden, unlike Embiid, can be a free agent this offseason and has been linked to the Rockets.
On Tuesday, Smith was also animated on “First Take,” discussing the healthy dose of NBA head coaching candidates available.
“If Mike D’Antoni ends up getting the 76ers job with Mark Jackson, Monty Williams, Nick Nurse, and Mike Budenholzer available – if Mike D’Antoni gets the job, if that happens – James Harden went and got Doc Rivers fired. Remember I said that,” the ESPN hot take specialist said.
Stephen A. Smith sounds off on Mike D’Antoni’s candidacy in Philadelphia. ESPN
Joel Embiid high-fives former coach Doc Rivers NBAE via Getty Images
Rivers spent three seasons with the 76ers with his team being eliminated in the Eastern Conference semifinals each time, most recently in a seven-game elimination against the Celtics.
The 76ers let a late lead slip away in Game 6 before getting blown out in Game 7.
“I really enjoyed my time in Philadelphia – what a great city…” Rivers said in a statement he released on his Instagram account on Wednesday.
“We got a lot done in a short amount of time. I’d also like to thank the 76ers fans. Whew… you guys are tough, and I think you’ve learned I’m tough too. I absolutely love your commitment to the city and its teams – never lose that. I wanted, just as badly as you, to bring another championship to Philadelphia. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to lead, to learn, and to love this great city.”
Prior to Rivers being fired, high-profile media pundits speculated that all contenders with significant assets – especially the Knicks – would be happy to go all-in for Embiid.
But Embiid’s reported frustration would have to reach a level where he tried to force his way out of Philadelphia.
Embiid, 29, currently has four years, including a player option, left on his contract.
The recently crowned MVP has thus far shown nothing but loyalty to the 76ers, but the current turmoil around the franchise could put that loyalty to the test.
Source: New York Post
