Bill Simmons Criticizes NBA Officiating in Joel Embiid Games
During a recent NBA match between the Boston Celtics and the Philadelphia 76ers, Bill Simmons, founder of The Ringer, expressed his thoughts on NBA officiating, particularly regarding Joel Embiid. Simmons accused Embiid of receiving the most “ludicrous” calls in the league.
Controversial Call Against the Celtics
In a critical moment of the game, Embiid was fouled while attempting a three-point shot. The referee awarded him three free throws, which drew Simmons’ ire. He mentioned on Twitter that no other player seems to benefit from such generous calls.
Simmons’ Analysis
Simmons tweeted, “Nobody gets more ludicrous calls than Embiid – literally no one.” He suggested that Embiid’s conduct during plays often leads to questionable fouls, saying, “He’s the only guy who can kick his legs out on a three, kick someone in the nuts and then shoot 3 free throws.”
Embiid’s Free Throw History
Embiid’s performance from the free-throw line has been exceptional in recent seasons. Below are his free throw statistics:
- 2020-2021 Season: Led the league with 10.7 free throw attempts per game.
- 2021-2022 Season: Continued leading the league with 11.8 attempts per game over 68 games.
- 2022-2023 Season: Averaged 11.7 attempts per game, ranking second behind Giannis Antetokounmpo.
- 2023-2024 Season: Played only 39 games due to a knee injury, but returned for the playoffs with high free throw attempts.
Celtics vs. 76ers Game Outcome
Despite the controversy surrounding Embiid’s free throws, the Celtics secured a narrow victory, finishing the game at 109-108. This win improved their season record to 3-3 and marked their first win in NBA Cup action.
Simmons’ critique highlights ongoing debates about officiating in the NBA, especially regarding star players like Embiid. The conversation around NBA refereeing remains a hot topic as fans and analysts continue to analyze the implications of such calls on game outcomes.
