Is barely a week since the start of the 2023-24 NBA season and yet it seems that fines and penalties are already being handed out left and right. Although Joel Embiid is one of the best players in his position, the Center was not given any exception.
The matchup between the Philadelphia 76ers against the Portland Trail Blazers had Joel Embiid, who is the current MVP, violate another NBA rule that warranted a monetary penalty.
Why did NBA fine Joel Embiid?
The Philadelphia 76ers superstar Joel Embiid has been fined $35,000 for making an obscene gesture when he was celebrating in the game against the Portland Trail Blazers. This gesture drew wide controversy, and the Center was later handed a hefty fine.
His celebration came with 2:14 remaining in the third quarter of the Sixers’ dominant 126-98 victory over the Trail Blazers.
Joel Embiid did a hard pelvic thrust motion which is the same as the WWE’s D-Generation X/Triple H. WWE legend Triple H wrote to Embiid in response to the incident, sending an invitation for him to bring his celebration to Philadelphia’s WrestleMania 40 in 2024.
Embiid later said he wouldn’t be in Philadelphia for the occasion. Following the win, Embiid humorously claimed, “I don’t remember that” regarding the incident. He discussed his evolving on-court persona, stating, “I’ve been focused on taking care of business…the passion is just different.”
NBA previously finned Joel Embiid for same reason
This is not the first time Joel Embiid had been fined for the occasion. Following the Philadelphia 76ers’ emotionally charged win over the Brooklyn Nets, where Joel Embiid had a crucial game, he broke out a WWE-inspired Triple-H celebration, involving pelvic thrusts. The NBA had then announced a fine of $25,000 for this gesture.
Embiid has been fined multiple times for the way he celebrates on court. These fines are always because of his exuberant and outspoken personality. Embiid still remains untroubled despite the fines. He continues to show off his persona whenever the need arises.
The NBA’s current discussion concerning players’ gestures and celebrations during games has been going on for some time now. These sanctions are just to let the player know that there are boundaries to some things. That should not stop them from showing their personality but there should be boundaries.
Fans will hope that Joel Embiid won’t have to repeat this celebration going forward in his career. Share your thoughts in the comment section.
