PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Sixers All-Star Joel Embiid wasn't kidding earlier this week when he expressed concern about restarting the NBA season during a viral pandemic.
"I'm not a big fan of the idea, but then again, I'm gonna do my job," Embiid said Tuesday. "I'm not gonna let the city down. I'm gonna represent my city — that's what I've always done — my family and my teammates."
He showed just how serious he is when the 76ers boarded their flight to Orlando on Thursday. The 7-foot center wore a Tyvek suit from shoulder to toes, with gloves and a mask.
NBC Sports Philadelphia took video of Embiid exiting a car, getting help to put on the suit — which looks like a hazmat suit without the head gear — and then walking over to a baby for a photo opportunity.
As that was happening, backup center Kyle O'Quinn laughed hysterically in the background.
Joel Embiid has arrived for the flight to Orlando, in full mask, suit and glove gear. pic.twitter.com/Nz7hOtc69E
— NBC Sports Philadelphia (@NBCSPhilly) July 9, 2020Embiid posted photos to Instagram of himself posing in his suit as he boarded the plane, with the caption "Get rich or die trying!!! Orlando here we come #TheProcess."
Get rich or die trying!!! Orlando here we come #TheProcess
A post shared by Joel "The Process" Embiid (@joelembiid) on Jul 9, 2020 at 2:59pm PDT
He tagged the location as "Larry O'Brien," the late former NBA Commissioner after whom the championship trophy is named.
In that same post, Sixers limited-partner and Fanatics CEO Michael Rubin commented, "Let's get a chip in Orlando and I'll get you few hazmat suits that actually fit you!!!----"
Later on Thursday night on his Instagram story, Embiid shared photos of the meal that was given to him, joking that he's going to lose 50 pounds.
Joel Embiid's Instagram thoughts on his meal last night #Sixers pic.twitter.com/5Aw61zrwP4
— Dave Uram (@MrUram) July 10, 2020The photo of Embiid is from 2011 when he began playing basketball about a decade ago.
In addition to Embiid's concern about the coronavirus, he also believes other players won't take safety protocols as seriously as they should.





