Overseas Famous Weekly: Are We Coddling Athletes Too Much?

From Court Comforts to Hard Truths: Are We Setting Athletes Up for Failure?

Real talk time…the NBA has turned into a spectacle. After another night of injuries to the faces of the league, my basketball group chat blew up with the same consensus thought…The NBA has become unwatchable. Sky-high contracts and godlike status are just some of the issues plaguing this once proud league. But why suddenly? In my mind, it comes down to a trend that has been increasing over the past decade and asks the question; Are we coddling athletes so much that we’re setting them up for failure? This week, the drama surrounding Joel Embiid and the Sixers throws this question into focus.

In a world where billions are poured into sports, the balance between empowering athletes and holding them accountable is becoming harder to manage.

Let’s unpack the issue.

The Joel Embiid Conundrum

Joel Embiid is a generational talent…MVP of the league, one of the most dominant big men we’ve ever seen. But this week, the headlines weren’t about his stat line. They were about his lateness, his health struggles, and a team meeting where teammates, led by Tyrese Maxey, questioned his focus.

This is a very tricky situation as no one questions Embiid’s impact on the court when he’s locked in. However, he has battled knee injuries and illness that have frustrated the fan base. But at what point do we draw the line between understanding the pressures of being a superstar and demanding the basic professionalism of showing up on time?

As someone who’s seen both sides of the game, I know that accountability can make or break a team. Embiid is juggling immense pressure, but isn’t that the deal when you sign up for a supermax contract?

Are We Building Impossible Expectations?

The NBA has exploded with teams worth billions, and players worth millions. Adding in the 24/7 media coverage means athletes are expected to be everything: stars on the court, role models off it, along with social media influencers and brand ambassadors.

But are we setting them up to fail? The more we invest in athletes, the more we wrap them in bubble wrap, shielding them from criticism or responsibility until something snaps. We’ve created a paradox…we demand perfection from players while coddling them so much that they lose the edge that got them there in the first place.

Take Embiid again. He’s the face of a franchise and, currently, a scapegoat for a struggling team. The money invested in him makes it hard for the Sixers to come down too hard. Yet, when Maxey spoke up, it was a breath of fresh air. Accountability is rare in the NBA, so this interaction was a breath of fresh airl.

No Coddling Overseas: The Hard Truth About Playing Overseas Basketball

If there’s one thing I learned during my overseas basketball career, it’s that you’re not special. You’re not coddled. And you definitely don’t get any sort of superstar treatment, no matter how many points you drop.

In the NBA, players are wrapped in layers of comfort…private flights, five-star hotels, and team chefs making meals that taste amazing, while providing the exact nutritional value a pro athlete needs . Overseas? You’re lucky if your team gives you something with wheels to get from your apartment to practice.

From Planes to Buses

This was not just limited to overseas. In the NBA D-League, we traveled on commercial flights, crammed into coach seats with no consideration for height or comfort. My 6’10” frame wedged awkwardly into a space clearly designed for someone much shorter. Then there was Kosovo, where we piled onto old vans that seemed to have skipped their last three inspections. One time, our bus broke down in the middle of nowhere. We sat on the side of the road for hours, watching two morons argue about how to fix the problem and wondering if the opposing team was enjoying their warm-ups while we sat in a cold snow filled landscape.

Late? Don’t Bother Coming

Then there’s the accountability. I once had a coach who made it clear from day one: if you’re late, don’t bother showing up. One teammate learned this the hard way after strolling into practice 15 minutes late. The coach didn’t just bench him, he cut him. That was it. No meeting. No apology speech. Just a “you’re done.” And honestly it worked. We knew that? It taught every moment mattered.

Compare that to some of today’s NBA teams, where a player might miss shootaround but still drop 30 points where they receive a hero’s welcome. Overseas, there’s no room for excuses. If you’re late or underperforming, someone’s waiting to take your spot.

Far from Luxurious

The facilities overseas are also a wake-up call. No state-of-the-art equipment and definitely no team nutritionist handing you a post-game shake. In Kosovo, the showers at our arena were so unreliable that I started carrying wet wipes in my bag…just in case.

However, all of that toughened me up. The lack of luxury forced me to focus on what mattered. There were no distractions, no comforts to fall back on…just the grind of being a professional athlete.

A Tough Love Approach

Overseas basketball is a raw and gritty experience. You’re either delivering, or you’re out. And while that might sound harsh, it’s also freeing. It strips away the noise and forces you to show up, on time, every time.

So, while I have all the respect in the world for Joel Embiid and other NBA superstars, I can’t help but wonder: could they thrive in an overseas environment where there are no private flights and no second chances for being late?

This experience is why I believe accountability is the foundation of any great team. You can’t coddle your way to greatness, it needs to be earned.

Balance Is Key

Joel Embiid’s story isn’t unique…it’s a mirror for what’s happening in sports everywhere. Yes, athletes need support, especially when they’re under constant pressure. But support without accountability is a recipe for disaster.

We need to strike a balance. Encourage athletes, but don’t shield them from the consequences of their actions. Celebrate their success, but don’t ignore their shortcomings. Sports, at its core, is about discipline and growth. Let’s not lose that in the pursuit of billions.

Final Thoughts

The next time you see a superstar caught in the crosshairs of controversy, ask yourself: are they being coddled, or are they being held accountable? The line isn’t always clear, but it’s worth exploring.

Until next time,

Kevin Owens

Founder, Overseas Famous