That was the biggest takeaway from Dotun Akintoye’s phenomenal Joel Embiid feature that ran on ESPN on Wednesday morning. The enigmatic Philadelphia 76ers superstar provided rare access and vulnerability talking about the ups and downs of his NBA career in the type of longform piece that rarely exists in today’s media landscape.

Fans of the 76ers were quick to hit back at John Kincade after he suggested a recent article about Joel Embiid was a PR move.

The Sixers center is working to return to form as he recovers from his second knee surgery in 14 months. He spoke with ESPN about coming back too soon from injury, his friend Jameer Nelson suggesting therapy, his history with James Harden, and more.

The Philadelphia 76ers had a team meeting last season in November in Miami. During the meeting, Tyrese Maxey called Joel Embiid out for being late to team events.

Joel Embiid has candidly addressed his non-existent relationship with James Harden after the Beard's Philadelphia 76ers exit.

But as Embiid explained in a new profile from ESPN's Dotun Akintoye, those who lean into the "narrative" about him being a playoff dropper are missing context. They seem to think he's the only star player capable of a rough night now and then when an elite defense is specifically game-planning for them:

Joel Embiid has developed a reputation as a troll. But this aspect of the big man has persisted since his college days, as his coach recalled a hilarious story from his time at Kansas.