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PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 04: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts against the Phoenix Suns at the Wells Fargo Center on November 04, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
The commentary team of the Charlotte Hornets snapped at Joel Embiid for too much “foul baiting” during Saturday’s game against the Philadelphia 76ers. Embiid has a negative reputation around the league for playing the game “unethically” by trying to draw fouls all game long. This offensive style helped Embiid win an MVP Award and deliver one of the top offensive seasons ever at his peak.
However, it has upset many fans over ruining close games via referee bail outs. Hornets’ broadcaster Eric Collins said the following out of pure emotion about Embiid during a foul call:
“Oh Embiid! Good golly! This guy is an absolute merchant. He’s a free throw merchant! Let’s see – See him lean his body on Grant (Williams) and try to get that contact.”
The hilarious sound byte went viral and featured many fans on social media agreeing with Collins. Embiid got a questionable foul call by initiating contact and convincing the referees to give him free throws. Philadelphia won the game 118-114 in a close affair in Charlotte thanks to their healthy lineup all delivering. Embiid finished with 29 points and led all players in total free throws with 13 attempts at the line.
Foul Baiting Reputation Follows Joel Embiid Forever
It wasn’t that long ago that Embiid vs Nikola Jokic was the hottest NBA debate about the best center and the best overall player in the league. Both men competed against each other for a few years at the highest level to get the top regular season award.
The debates led to Embiid getting called out more for foul baiting since he’s arguably the best in the NBA at it. Jokic and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander both have been accused of this too, but Embiid going for contact more often became something that the avid NBA fan held against him.
Tonight’s reaction was more about how the Hornets commentators and general NBA fans feel when Embiid goes into a play specifically trying to draw a foul. Grant Williams had no chance of doing anything to get out of the foul call since the referees made up their minds when Embiid first went for contact.
Joel Embiid Still Raises The Sixers Ceiling
Philadelphia had an incredible performance today with their “big three” all back after missing games for weeks. Paul George has played two great games since he returned from his controversial drug testing suspension and is well rested for the playoffs.
Tyrese Maxey made his return from injury today and still looks like an All-NBA caliber player. Embiid, Maxey, George, and rookie standout VJ Edgecombe provides a dynamic top four player list that can threaten the top Eastern Conference seeds in the first round. Philadelphia is no longer an injury-ravaged team that will be an easy pushover.
The health improving at the right time could give the 76ers a chance to have a deep playoff run, but they’ll have to upset opponents every round. Embiid is needed to have strong performances four times each series for Philadelphia to become a Cinderella story. Today’s game showed a promising sign, despite Embiid getting mocked for foul baiting.