Everyone is excited for Major League Baseball’s Opening Day, including an unexpected shoutout from All-World NBA Superstar Joel Embiid.
Embiid plays for Pennsylvania’s only NBA team, the Philadelphia 76ers. But many fans assumed his allegiance lies with the hometown Philadelphia Phillies. However, today he let fans know on X that he was paying acute attention to the Pittsburgh Pirates during their Opening Day clash with the New York Mets.
First, Embiid chimed in to criticize Don Kelly, the team’s “new” manager, and his decision to pull reigning NL Cy Young recipient Paul Skenes in the first inning.
Can’t believe he pulled Skenes
— Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) March 26, 2026
The former NBA MVP then turned his sights to young Pirates star outfielder Oneil Cruz. Cruz’s now viral outfield blunders cost the Pirates four runs in the first inning.
Embiid poked fun at the 27-year-old’s ability to play defense in a post, calling for a position change.
Cruz, get ready to learn DH buddy!!
— Joel Embiid (@JoelEmbiid) March 26, 2026
Embiid’s commentary came as a surprise for two reasons. First and foremost, the center had only made three posts on the app this year before chiming in on the Pirates’ performance. And secondly, few expected the Yaounde, Cameroon native to be involved in the happenings of Major League Baseball.
The post has garnered more than three million views, adding insult to injury on Cruz’s unfortunate lowlight.
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