Jimmy Butler Understands Joel Embiid’s Frustration With His New Role

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The honeymoon period in Philadelphia might be coming to an end. After Minnesota traded Jimmy Butler to the Sixers last month in exchange for Robert Covington and Dario Saric, it appeared both sides came out winners in the deal, as Wolves star Karl-Anthony Towns found his footing again and Philly went on a tear.

The Sixers are 9-3 since Butler came to town, and they appear poised to make a legitimate run at the Eastern Conference crown this season. But on rare occasions, winning doesn’t always solve everything. After their latest loss to the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday, franchise center Joel Embiid told reporters that he hasn’t been feeling like himself lately.

That’s a disconcerting sign given all the turmoil that surrounded Butler in Minnesota, specifically among their incumbent stars, who grew increasingly frustrated with having to take a backseat to the All-Star guard. But Butler did his best to downplay those comments when speaking to reporters over the weekend, saying he understands how Embiid feels.

“I know where his heart is, man. His heart is pure. He wants to win.” Butler said. “I can feel for him. It’s new to myself, it’s new to him, it’s new to everybody. But we’re okay. I know he wants to win. He wanted to play [against the Pistons]. Coach didn’t let him play. We need him long-term. He’s needed rest. He’s been doing a lot on both ends of the floor for this team. He’s our best player. I can understand being frustrated. He’s a hell of a player, and we’re figure out ways to make sure he’s always successful.”

As Butler indicated, Embiid sat out Friday night against Detroit, in which Butler went off for 38 points in a 117-111 win. Embiid had struggled in the previous three games, averaging just over 13 points on 33 percent shooting and going 1-of-9 from downtown during that stretch.

Given those struggles, it was probably wise of Brett Brown to get Embiid some rest, which means he will have had four full days off before the Sixers face Detroit again on Monday night at home. Still, it’s a little ominous that yet another of Butler’s superstar teammates is already voicing his displeasure in their dynamics this early in their tenure together, despite other reports about how great their chemistry has been.

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