‘Joel Embiid Flopped On A Free Throw!’: 76ers Star’s Unorthodox FT Motion Has NBA Fans Livid

Joel Embiid often receives flak for shooting an inordinate amount of free throws. While drawing fouls is a nifty way of putting up points on the board, the way in which Embiid has gone about it throughout his career is questionable. And this time the Philadelphia 76ers star did something even more questionable during one of his 14 visits to the free throw line against the Memphis Grizzlies. He flopped, yes you read that right, he flopped right after shooting his free throw.

Embiid flailed his arms right after he let his free throw go, in what can only be described as a ‘theatrical flop’.

Over the years, the NBA has witnessed some baffling free throw incidents. However, JoJo’s antic tonight is one of a kind. The 2023 MVP was mocked on social media with users even claiming that flopping was part of his muscle memory.

Flopping is annoyingly regular in the modern NBA, and particularly a large part of Embiid’s game. Within merely one month into the 2024-2025 regular season, the 7ft big man has gone viral on social media for the same reason on multiple occasions.

The detractors have also attacked the 30-year-old for overdoing it, which eventually results in him falling down. However, there is a valid reason why Embiid hits the ground.

Embiid is advised to hit the ground

Players usually avoid falling on the floor to prevent or minimize injury. But Embiid’s case is slightly different. He’s advised by the doctors to go down to allow the impact to spread evenly across his body.

“It was something I learned during my rehab when I was going through the foot injury, when I was trying to find ways to limit the impact on my body in 2014. I was told that every time I feel like I’m in a situation where it’s going to be some type of extreme [weight] on my leg, I’ve got to dive or just roll onto the floor. So that’s why I do it,” Embiid disclosed.

Embiid, who is prone to injuries, uses an unorthodox way to mitigate injury for sure. However, he urged his fans to not be worried by his constant falls.

“I know there are fans that are always thinking, ‘No!’ each time I fall, but that’s why I do it. The specialists for my foot told me to do it,” Embiid added.

Given the relentless nature of social media trolls, Embiid can anticipate more criticism coming his way each time he flops, and hits the ground, though he may have a valid reason for doing so.