MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN - FEBRUARY 17: Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers walks backcourt during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on February 17, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Philadelphia defeated Milwaukee 123-120. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
Joel Embiid is one of the best big men in the modern-day NBA who has been able to walk their talk. After not being named as an All-Star starter, and being already ignored of the MVP honor last season, Embiid had to take his frustration out and did so by leading the Philadelphia 76ers past the shorthanded Brooklyn Nets.
However, his extra bit of celebration resulted in the NBA fining him for making an obscene gesture after an impressive and strong play against Nic Claxton (leading blocker in the 2022-23 season) and Joe Harris in the first quarter of their respective match.
After dropping a tough bucket, Embiid faced the fans at Wells Fargo Center to celebrate perhaps too evidently. Resulting in the NBA penalizing him for his action.
The punishment is hardly going to act as a deterrent for Embiid moving forward. He is going to act on impulse as he always does, and while gestures like these aren’t ideal, he is not causing harm to anyone on the court, so it’s hard to be too critical of him here. Although the game against Ben Simmons, Nets wasn’t the best version of Embiid yet he didn’t hold from celebrating. The Cameroonian International dropped 26 points, and 10 rebounds.
That being said, while Embiid is not voted as a starter, his selection for the 2023 All-Star game is obvious. Being the front runner in the 2023 MVP race, hopefully, he can secure the All-Star Game MVP accolade to answer his critics and the fans who didn’t believe in him.
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