Rich Paul defends Joel Embiid’s work ethic: “He’s in the best shape”

02/09/202608:30

Philadelphia 76ers

The agent dismissed concerns about the 76ers center, saying he enjoyed a healthy and productive offseason

Rich Paul pushed back on questions about Joel Embiid’s work ethic raised by Max Kellerman on the Game Over podcast. Kellerman cited comments from Brian Scalabrine concerning the center’s approach during his time with Team USA.

“I’ve heard nothing but great things about Joel this summer,” Paul replied. “I heard he’s in the best shape he’s been in, and he’s been healthy all summer.”

Embiid’s condition will be crucial to the Philadelphia 76ers’ ambitions after the additions of LeBron James and Jaylen Brown. The center averaged 26.9 points and 7.7 rebounds last season but appeared in only 38 games.