Joel Embiid is watching. No, seriously.
If you’ve ever fired off a frustrated tweet about his "foul-baiting" or posted a meme about the 76ers’ second-round exits, there is a statistically significant chance the former MVP has actually scrolled past it. While most superstars claim they "don’t hear the noise" or have "blocked out the media," Embiid lives for it. He’s the NBA’s ultimate digital ghost—a 7-foot, 280-pound superstar who knows exactly what the internet is saying about him at 2:00 AM.
When people say Joel Embiid sees you, it’s not just a creepy metaphor. It’s a reference to the way he uses fan criticism, media slights, and social media vitriol as the primary fuel for his on-court dominance.
The "Troel" Embiid Era: Why He Can’t Stop Scrolling
Most athletes use social media to post sponsored content or generic "Back to work" gym photos. Embiid uses it as a psychological laboratory. He once famously changed his Twitter name to "Joel 'Troel' Embiid" because he realized that by engaging with the people who hated him, he could control the narrative.
Think back to the infamous 2024 Olympic run in Paris. French fans booed him every time he touched the ball because he chose to play for Team USA instead of France. Most players would have tucked their heads and ignored it. Not Joel. He actively encouraged the crowd, cupping his ears and waving his arms like a conductor leading a symphony of distain.
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He later admitted that the jeers were basically a love language to him. "I see it as love and respect," he said. He knows that if he weren't a threat, nobody would bother booing. This is the core of the Joel Embiid sees you phenomenon: he turns your energy against you.
That Time He Literally Sat Next To You
It’s not just digital. Embiid has a weird, almost legendary habit of breaking the fourth wall between "The Process" and the public. In 2019, during a game where the Sixers had a massive lead, he didn't just sit on the bench. He wandered into the stands and sat down next to a young fan, casually watching the game from the cheap seats like a regular guy.
It’s that accessibility—paired with a razor-sharp memory—that makes him unique. He remembers the specific broadcasters who called him unprofessional. He remembers the "BBQ Chicken" locations he tagged on Instagram to troll opponents like Hassan Whiteside.
Why the "Hate" actually helps him
Embiid has gone on record saying he is probably the "most hated guy in the league." Honestly? He might be right. But he also admits he pays attention to Twitter (now X) specifically because it makes him better.
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- When the media left him off a "Top 100" list in late 2025, he didn't give a PR-friendly answer.
- He told reporters he was just trying to "fit in" since he apparently wasn't a top player anymore.
- That sarcasm is his shield.
The Dark Side of Being Seen
Being a fan in Philadelphia is a "tough love" relationship. It's complicated. You've got a guy who is arguably the most talented center of a generation, yet he’s constantly battling the "unpredictable" nature of his own health.
When the fans at the Wells Fargo Center booed him for hesitating on a three-pointer during a 2025 loss to the Raptors, Embiid didn't shy away. He’s noted before that Philly fans boo their own more than the opponents. He sees you when you’re frustrated, and sometimes, he bites back. Whether it’s shushing the home crowd or taking to Instagram to post cryptic messages about his future, he reflects the city's intensity.
If you're wondering if he's still checking his mentions—the answer is yes. He recently mentioned that he still uses social media as motivation because "it makes me push myself."
How to Handle Being "Seen" by Joel
So, what should you do if you realize the big man is lurking in your comments or watching your team's broadcast?
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First, realize that "Joel Embiid sees you" is a two-way street. If you’re a hater, you’re giving him the exact motivation he needs to drop 50 points on your favorite team. If you’re a supporter, your energy is what keeps him tied to a city that is notoriously hard to please.
Actionable Takeaways for Fans:
- Don't expect him to ignore you. He’s a "mental log" player. If you're a media member or a vocal critic, he’s likely filed your name away for a post-game quote.
- Watch the "Location" tags. If you follow him on Instagram, pay attention to where he tags his photos. It’s almost always a subtle (or not-so-subtle) jab at a rival or a city.
- Respect the honesty. Love him or hate him, he’s one of the few stars who admits to being online. In an era of polished corporate athletes, his "Troel" persona is a rare bit of authenticity.
Ultimately, Joel Embiid isn't going to stop scrolling. He’s going to keep watching the clips of people calling him a "foul merchant" and he’s going to keep using that to fuel his next MVP-caliber run. He knows what you said. And he’s probably going to tweet about it after the game.
To really understand the impact of his social media presence, you should look back at his legendary "Do a 180" Jeopardy troll. It’s the perfect example of how he turns a mistake into a brand. He doesn't just play the game on the hardwood; he plays it on your phone screen, too.