Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid said he receives more hate online than any other NBA player.
"I'm probably the most hated guy in the league," Embiid said on "The Check Ball Show" with Drew Hanlen. "I don't know why ... I'm just cool. I don't know what's there to hate about me."
Embiid, 30, had the best statistical year of his career, averaging a personal-best 34.7 points, 5.6 assists, and 11 rebounds. It was the third consecutive season that Embiid averaged at least 30 points per game.
However, injuries once again hampered his campaign. The 7-footer only played in 39 games and had to undergo surgery to clean up the cartilage in his knee - the second arthroscopic surgery on his left meniscus in his career. He wasn't eligible to win the league's scoring title since he missed the NBA's 65-game threshold.
The former MVP acknowledged that he sees people's posts and comments on social media criticizing him, and it motivates him to be a better player.
"I pay attention to it because I like it. Because that's the motivation that I need. When you get to a certain level when you've accomplished a lot ... you need something else to keep motivating you, and that's one of the things."
The New York Knicks bounced the Sixers in the opening round of the postseason. Embiid averaged 33 points, 10.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists in the six-game series.
Embiid is set to make his Olympic debut after he chose to represent the USA over Cameroon or France at the upcoming Paris Games.
