Joel Embiid was comforted by his son, Arthur, following the Knicks’ sweep of the 76ers on Sunday in the second round of the NBA playoffs.
Arthur joined him during the postgame press conference — one that warranted tough questions about another disappointing playoff loss and an injury-filled season.
FS1’s “First Things First” host Nick Wright took issue with Embiid’s son being there.
“Bringing children to press conferences after losses should not be allowed,” Wright said Monday during the show. “I think Joel Embiid is obviously an awesome family man and a great dad, and when you first saw it I think it was Steph [Curry]’s daughter, Riley. Not only was it adorable, here’s the other thing. It was amidst of him always winning and all the press conference stuff was just celebratory. So, it was cute and there was never a, ‘Oh man, I kinda need to ask him an awkward question but he has this adorable child with him.’ Whether intentional or not, the ultimate effect is your kid is shielding you from what could be tough or uncomfortable questions that is the point of those press conferences.”
Wright went on to say he really enjoys that the modern NBA embraces fatherhood and brings athletes’ families to the forefront.
Fans know the children of their favorite stars, such as Canon Curry and Bronny James.
However, he believes there should be a limit when it comes to crucial press conferences.
“I’m not picking on Embiid because he is not the only guy to do it. … but I don’t think after season-ending losses when you’re talking about your future with the team that you should have your kid on your lap. Just, I know I’ll get ripped for it, but I know I’m right,” Wright concluded.
In Game 4, the Knicks handed out a 144-114 beatdown on the 76ers to close the series.
Embiid, who missed Game 2 with hip and ankle issues, scored 24 points, shooting 8-for-8 from the field in the final game.
While making the conference semifinals was unexpected for the 76ers, who were not favored to get past Boston in the first round, they will have to answer for their shortcomings in yet another early playoff exit.
Philadelphia has not made it to the Eastern Conference finals since 2001, when they lost to the Lakers in the NBA Finals in five games.