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Troel Embiid’s Return May be the Surest Sign that the Sixers are Back
By Sean Barnard
Published:
The vibes are sky-high in the Sixers’ world. So much so that the NBA league office has its eyes set on Joel Embiid’s pockets and eliminating fun from the entire league.
You can tell when Joel Embiid really has it going in a game when he starts connecting with his foul-baiting attempts for and-1 opportunities. The former MVP had Celtics forward Josh Minott in the danger zone early in the first quarter of Friday’s matchup and promptly executed by drawing the contact, nailing the jump shot, and taking a trip to the free throw line for an additional point attempt. Embiid also broke out his now-famous DX Chop as a celebration to the joy of the Philadelphia faithful in attendance:
For what it’s worth, this did not even crack the top 10 of the most offensive crotch chops of Embiid’s career. We have seen the 7-footer chop pelvis right in opponents’ faces, seemingly attempt to impregnate the air, and take so many pumps it would be an automatic 15-yarder in any Key & Peele sketch over the past few seasons.
But nonetheless, the NBA league office slapped a $50,000 fine on the Sixers star for what is considered a “lewd gesture.” This marks the fifth time in Embiid’s career he has been fined for this WWE-based celebration. He was fined $25,000 in February 2020 for the gesture and the same amount in 2023. The fine increased to $35,000 in October 2023 and then a whopping $75,000 for his thrust during the Christmas Day matchup against the Celtics last year.
It’s worth noting that he has pumped several times without punishment in between these. There also is clearly not a set standard for what the monetary fine should be with his most recent fine actually being $25,000 cheaper that he was forced to pay last year. Whether this is decided on based on the velocity of thrust, number of pumps, or direction of the target is unclear but it would be hilarious to hear Adam Silver explain this.
But Embiid was quick to point out the hypocrisy of the league in his own unique way. Once one of the most online athletes in all of sports, the former MVP has mostly stayed in the shadows of late. But the $50,000 fine was enough for him to pose the question of why can referees do this if he can’t?
This probably is not a battle that Embiid can win, but I respect him attempting to fight nonetheless. More-so than anything, the online comments appear to be him opening up his personality in a way he hasn’t for a few years. He has referred to himself as a “Part Time Player” in his Halloween Instagram post, tagged “Heaven” as the location in a post after his first game back, and has carried himself with a bit more joy overall this season. So much has been discussed regarding the influx of young guard talent regarding on-court production, but there is an energy that comes with this. Tyrese Maxey, Jared McCain, and V.J. Edgecombe all seem to radiate positive energy in a way that is infectious to those around him. Even Embiid’s presence on the bench when he has not been playing has been more evident this year. The 5-1 record sure helps, but there may be more of a debate for which causes which than some people acknowledge.
This same correlation certainly applies for when Embiid is typically having the most fun is when he is playing his best basketball. Whether this is running down the court in an airplane motion, hitting send on a tweet, or hitting the DX chop, the Sixers are probably at the better because of it.
He is still a ways away from looking like the best version of himself on the court. Embiid continues to work through his minutes limit and making gradual progress in his mobility and trust in his body. But the weight of the franchise no longer solely falls on his shoulders and this freedom may end up bringing out the best in him. For the time being, let those hips fly.
Sean Barnard has covered the Philadelphia 76ers and general Philly Sports for over six years in a variety of roles and for multiple outlets. Currently works as a Content Writer for DraftKings Network, Sixers/NBA Insider for Philadelphia's Fox Sports the Gambler, and co-host of Sixers & Phillies Digest on Youtube. Forever Trusting the Process.