Nick Wright criticizes 76ers’ Joel Embiid for bringing son to Game 4 press conference

One thing that grinds Fox Sports 1’s Nick Wright’s gears is when a player brings their kid to the podium after a season-ending loss, such as Philadelphia 76ers’ Joel Embiid did after losing Game 4 to the New York Knicks on Sunday. Wright, expecting to receive heat for the criticism, doubled down on his take by using other players as examples.

He mentioned Boston Celtics’ Jayson Tatum from his early years, and Golden State Warriors’ Stephen Curry from the days when casual fans recognized his daughter, Riley Curry, just as well as her championship-winning father. Wright says Embiid shouldn’t have his son present during his postgame media availability, following a 4-0 sweep, he said, per Fox Sports 1’s First Things First.

“Bringing children to press conferences after losses should not be allowed,” Wright said. “And I think Joel Embiid is, obviously, an awesome family man, and a great dad. And when we first saw it with Steph’s daughter, Riley, not only was it adorable, it was in the midst of them always winning, and all of the press conference stuff was just celebratory.

“So, it was cute, and there was never a, damn, I kind of want to ask him this awkward question, but he has this adorable child with him. Whether intentional or not, the ultimate effect is: your kid is shielding you from what could be tougher and more uncomfortable questions. That is the point of those press conferences.”

Nick Wright: "Bringing children to press conferences after losses should not be allowed" pic.twitter.com/jXzb0RzY07

— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) May 11, 2026

At the risk of sounding like he’s picking on 76ers’ Joel Embiid, Nick Wright promises he feels this way about the rest of the NBA players.

Joel Embiid’s blunt take about the 76ers’ future

76ers center Joel Embiid reflected on his legacy after losing Game 4 to the Knicks, eliminating the veteran big man from reaching the Eastern Conference Finals. Looking ahead to next season, Embiid didn’t hold back about his high hopes for 2026-27, he said, per PHLY Sports’ Derek Bodner.

“At times, it’s okay to just say the other team was better,” Embiid said after the game. “Got to get better, from top to bottom. Ownership, front office, players, coaches. Everybody just has to get better.”

Between Tyrese Maxey having arguably the best season of his career and VJ Edgecombe’s breakout rookie season, Embiid is excited about building off the Sixers’ second-round exit.

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