Sports media personality Max Kellerman triggered a fierce backlash across the basketball world after questioning Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid’s work ethic.
Citing chatter from Team USA’s Olympic run, Kellerman suggested Embiid’s approach might pose a problem in Philadelphia.
NBA Fans Blast Media as Max Kellerman Raises Doubts About Joel Embiid’s Work Ethic
During an episode of the Game Over show, Kellerman brought up report-based allegations regarding Embiid’s time with the USA Basketball Men’s National Team.
Kellerman referenced comments previously made by former NBA player and analyst Brian “Scal” Scalabrine regarding how elite players interact during international play.
“Scal was talking about when the best players get together, everyone’s got the cars and the watches and the money, the way they really compete and impress each other is like who works the hardest. And that was not Embiid at all. It was the opposite for Embiid, according to Scal,” Kellerman said.
Max Kellerman tells Rich Paul he’s heard Joel Embiid has a poor work ethic and questions if it could become a problem for the 76ers
(h/t @theaestheticnba) pic.twitter.com/EKnPswL9h5
— Fullcourtpass (@Fullcourtpass) September 1, 2026
Klutch Sports CEO Rich Paul, who was co-hosting the segment, immediately shut down the notion that Embiid lacks dedication or requires outside intervention.
Despite Paul’s quick defense, Kellerman’s comments instantly ignited a storm across social media, with fans fiercely rejecting the narrative. Many pointed out the sheer absurdity of calling a former MVP lazy, highlighting Embiid’s unique path from late-bloomer to NBA superstar.
“I tend to stay away from these talking points because we arent around these players to know, but I can 1000% say either this is egregiously wrong or Joel Embiid is by far the most talented player to ever play basketball.”
I tend to stay away from these talking points because we arent around these players to know but I can 1000% say either this is egregiously wrong or joel embiid is by far the most talented player to ever play basketball https://t.co/wKpoehunVl
— MarzTalksSports (@MarzTalksSports) September 1, 2026
Another user echoed that sentiment, emphasizing his development timeline:
“If I didn’t touch a basketball until I was 16, became an MVP, turned into one of the best scorers and defensive anchors the league has seen, I would dare someone to have the audacity to call me lazy.”
If I didn’t touch a basketball until I was 16, became an MVP, turned into one of the best scorers and defensive anchors the league has seen, I would dare someone to have the audacity to call me lazy. https://t.co/Ok8wwweGb4
— Aidan Doc 🧸 (@AidanDoc__) September 1, 2026
Beyond defending Embiid’s credentials, fans accused mainstream media members of setting up a narrative shield for potential future team struggles.
Comments flooded in calling the dialogue a pre-packaged excuse, with one user noting:
“LeBron camp already soft launching Embiid as a scapegoat and preseason hasn’t even started yet.”
“They planting seeds already lol,” another user wrote.
They planting seeds already lol https://t.co/w0ppp2CQTa
— Weed Richards (@VanFromNY) September 1, 2026
Meanwhile, some users warned Philadelphia supporters.
“Dear Sixers fans, I told ya Sincerely, SloHoopsFan,” one user wrote.
“You’ll be dealing with this all year long Sixers fans, be prepared for the absolute clown show,” another user added.
The criticism comes at a pivotal time for Philadelphia following a roster overhaul, headlined by adding LeBron James and trading Paul George for Jaylen Brown.
Despite availability concerns, Embiid remains one of the league’s most dominant forces when healthy, coming off a season where he averaged 26.9 points and 7.7 rebounds across 38 games after his monster 34.7 points-per-game campaign in 2023–24.
Entering the year fully healthy alongside a revamped core, the former MVP faces enormous expectations to lead a championship run.
All eyes now turn to Philadelphia’s upcoming preseason slate in early October as they build chemistry ahead of Opening Night on Oct. 20 against the New York Knicks.
