Very little used at the Philadelphia Sixers at the start of the season, Matisse Thybulle found playing time at the Portland Trail Blazers. Since his trade last February, the back has released his truths about the end of his adventure at the 76ers.
And the Australian notably deplored a “stressful environment” with a “fear” to make the slightest mistake. On his side, Joel Embiid obviously saw the words of his ex-partner. Unsurprisingly, the Cameroonian did not really appreciate.
“I liked him when he was here. I told him that I was not happy with some comments that made him lately. But that’s how it is. Playing in Philadelphia is not easy. There has a lot of pressure. Every year you are expected to win.
It doesn’t matter if they think you have a good team or a team good enough to win a championship. This is expected of you. And that’s why not many people can play here and survive it.” replied Joel Embiid pour USA Today.
There is real grassroots pressure in Philadelphia. But in recent years, there has also been a somewhat burdensome context, in the management of the team, for players in difficulty. We think of Matisse Thybulle, but also of course of Ben Simmons.
And indeed, you have to have strong shoulders to be present in this atmosphere.
Joel Embiid, another crazy stat on his scoring
