Joel Embiid not too long ago made NBA headlines, although not for his ordinary dominant performances.
The Philadelphia 76ers middle began the season solidly, scoring not less than 20 factors in his final three video games.
Nonetheless, the highlight centered on a $50,000 superb assessed by the NBA for a lewd gesture throughout the matchup in opposition to the Boston Celtics.
The incident occurred within the first quarter when Joel Embiid celebrated a rating with a crotch chop gesture.
Following the superb announcement, Embiid instantly responded on social media, directing his feedback towards the officiating crew with trademark humor.
“Y’all higher begin fining the refs for doing the ‘Lewd’, ‘blocking foul’ gesture since I’m not allowed to do it,” Embiid wrote.
The middle drew a tongue-in-cheek comparability between his celebration and the blocking foul sign referees frequently use throughout video games.
Embiid hasn’t but returned to MVP-caliber efficiency, however he’s nonetheless averaging 17.3 factors, 5.3 rebounds, and three.5 assists per sport whereas capturing 38.9% from three-point vary.
He continues dealing with criticism for foul-baiting techniques, together with from NBA analyst Invoice Simmons, whereas questions on his 76ers future persist.
Regardless of particular person concern, Embiid’s contributions have helped Philadelphia turn into one of many Japanese Convention’s finest groups by means of the early season alongside younger stars like Tyrese Maxey and rookie VJ Edgecombe.
The 76ers began 4-1 and can face Brooklyn of their subsequent sport, although Embiid is reportedly scheduled for relaxation.
And bear in mind, his gesture superb and social media response add one other chapter to his sophisticated relationship with NBA authority.
