Joel Embiid‘s words on the Sixers’ media day showed the desperation in him to bring the Championship to Philly. The center claimed that the medical team and his teammates would have to beat him to not take the court leading the franchise. But since then, the statement has not aged well. Following his retirement from playing back-to-back games ever again, Embiid is yet to play a single regular season minute and the 76ers are already 1-3. Ahead of the Grizzlies game, a big update on his health was provided and that should calm some nerves, literally.

According to Shams Charania, Embiid is closer than ever to returning to the court. “He has participated in at least 3 5 on 5 scrimmages with the 76ers over the last week. But today’s was more monumental than any of the other prior ones because this involved all of his teammates. And that is a big moment for Joel Embiid,” the insider said on NBA Today. He further added that Embiid “wants to be 100% game ready with that left knee before he takes the court, And he is almost there.”

Since the meniscus surgery in the left knee in February, Embiid hasn’t been the same. His rushed return to the court during the playoffs raised eyebrows and concerns for the Cameroonian. The former MVP even had a minor case of Bell’s Palsy during the playoffs but he played through that. So with all the negativity and backlash over his back-to-back related decision, the situation is frustrating, to say the least for Embiid. And he made sure everyone got to know about it.

Joel Embiid calls out critics as frustration over injury absence boils over

“We’re not steel workers,” Charles Barkley said about Embiid during a recent episode of Inside The NBA. The meltdown over Embiid’s prolonged absence, coupled with his decision not to play back-to-back games, irked many old-school players and analysts. Playing basketball 3-4 times a week shouldn’t be too hard— that’s the argument for the critics, and Embiid had enough of it.

“When I see people saying, he doesn’t want to play, I’ve done way too much for this city, putting myself at risk for people to be saying that. I do think it’s bullsh*t,” a frustrated Embiid said earlier today in front of the media. He even called out Marcus Hayes of the Philadelphia Inquirer for his narrative over Embiid.

“Like that dude, he’s not here. Marcus, whatever his name is. I’ve done way too much for for this f***ing city, to be treated like this. So, don’t wait way too f***ing much,” Embiid added. “But like I said, I wish I was as lucky as other ones, but that doesn’t mean that, I’m not trying and, you know, I’m doing whatever it takes to be out there, which I’m gonna be here pretty soon.” Unfortunately for the Sixers’ supporters, the 30-year-old is set to miss the game against the Grizzlies on Saturday night but the signs are positive as Embiid is inching closer to return.