Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers has not been performing up to par and has received criticism for it. Head coach Brett Brown defended the big man by tagging the criticisms as ‘grossly unfair.' After their embarrassing 125-89 Game 5 loss to the Toronto Raptors, Brown addressed the criticisms thrown at Embiid. For Brown, negative remarks on Embiid's play is ‘grossly unfair' simply because the Sixers' Cameroonian superstar has been ill for the past few games.

For the series, Embiid is averaging 17 points per game (37 percent from the field), 7.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists. While these numbers are well taken on their own, much is expected from Embiid who's seen as the team's best player.

Article Continues Below
More Philadelphia 76ers News
Philadelphia 76ers guard Kelly Oubre Jr (9) controls the ball against the Utah Jazz in the first quarter at Wells Fargo Center. Sochan
76ers’ perfect trade offer to get No. 2 pick from SpursZachary Howell ·
New Orleans Pelicans forward Herbert Jones (2) against the LA Clippers on a free throw attempt during the first half at Smoothie King Center.
NBA rumors: Pelicans insider calls out ‘BS’ Herb Jones-to-76ers trade speculationJulian Ojeda ·
Philadelphia 76ers resident of Basketball Operations Daryl Morey speaks with the media before a game against the Detroit Pistons at Wells Fargo Center.
NBA rumors: 76ers engage Spurs on trade for No. 2 pickJason Patt ·
Rutgers Scarlet Knights guard Ace Bailey (4) look up during overtime against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Jersey Mike's Arena. Maxey
Ace Bailey lands 76ers workout amid draft speculationZachary Howell ·
76ers news: Ace Bailey’s draft odds take hit after mysterious report, VJ Edgecombe
Ace Bailey’s draft odds take hit after mysterious reportChris Spiering ·
Philadelphia 76ers head coach Nick Nurse looks on during the third quarter against the Toronto Raptors at Wells Fargo Center.
76ers rumors: ‘Prime candidate’ emerges at No. 3 among 2 draft possibilitiesBenedetto Vitale ·

Embiid has been receiving criticisms left and right from fans and critics. Perhaps it's partly due to his trash-talking persona. His illness has greatly affected his game negatively. For critics, they don't care if you're ill or not. The point is that Embiid should be able to back up his talk and play the way he's supposed to play.

But from Brown's point of view, Embiid is doing the best he can to fight the Raptors. If this was the regular season, Embiid would've likely sat out for a few games until he fully heals. But it's playoff time where it's either win or go home. Embiid would rather play sick and fight with his teammates.