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Cameras Catch Joel Embiid Flopping On A Free Throw Attempt In 76ers-Grizzlies

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Nov 21, 2024 9:16 AM ET

The offseason addition of former Los Angeles Clippers star Paul George gave Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers high hopes for the 2024-25 NBA season.

With the new trio of Embiid, George and Tyrese Maxey, the Sixers came into the season as one of the favorites to win it all. However, with injuries across the board, Philadelphia has fallen to 2-12 on the season, the worst record in the Eastern Conference.

On Wednesday night, the new trio finally took the court together for the first time as the 76ers took on the Memphis Grizzlies. However, it was more of the same as Philly dropped its fifth consecutive game by a final score of 117-111.

During the game, Embiid made his way to the free-throw line and did something that he has become infamous for throughout his 11-year career.

After attempting his first shot from the line and missing, Embiid flailed as if someone had made contact with him—an apparent flop.

Embiid just flopped on a free throw pic.twitter.com/ePKOENAXpQ
— Northwest Nugs (@NWNugs) November 21, 2024

The center has become notorious for getting to the strike, averaging over 10 free throw attempts per game during his career. But many of these are from his stellar acting ability on the court.

NBA fans had their jokes after a video, which now has over 1.5 million views, was posted online, taking to the comment section to leave their thoughts.

"I decided to pretend embiid is a performance artist and his entire play style is a bit. It helps," one fan said.

"He’s done this his whole career. Dude will drop to his knees if his free throw rims out. This isn’t news," added another.

"Its habit for him," chimed in a third.

"You didn’t see that foul?" joked a fourth.

To make matters worse for Philly, George suffered a hyperextended knee, the same injury he suffered in the preseason that kept him out for the first five games of the year.

If George is out for more time, this could be potentially devastating for a reeling 76ers team. Fortunately, they head back to Philly for a three-game home stand, starting on Friday, Nov 22, against the Brooklyn Nets.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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