Joel Embiid: ‘I’ll be the bad guy, I like being the a–hole anyway’

Do you feel your MVP pursuit — and potential victory — is more organic this season? Joel Embiid: It is coming naturally. Even against the Bulls (on March 22), I could have easily stat-padded if I wanted to, but I don’t care. (Embiid did not play in the second half of the 76ers’ 116-91 win over the Bulls on Wednesday due to what the team termed “calf tightness.” The 76ers led for large margins throughout, and it was believed the score difference played a major role in Embiid not returning to the game. Embiid finished with 12 points, seven rebounds, seven assists and one block in 16 first-half minutes.) Embiid: I could have easily come back in and got a triple-double and make sure that I keep going after the scoring title. Or keep the 30-point streaks going or whatever. But I don’t care. I think mentally I’ve gotten to a different level where it’s all about winning. What matters — it’s just about winning, winning, winning. I’ve been focused on that. We’ve been doing that. Whatever happens, happens. If I win MVP, good. If I don’t, it’s fine with me. -via The Athletic / March 27, 2023