Bill Simmons Criticizes Joel Embiid’s “Ludicrous” Foul Calls in NBA Cup Game

In a recent NBA Cup game, Boston Celtics faced off against the Philadelphia 76ers. The match sparked considerable discussion, particularly surrounding foul calls made against star center Joel Embiid. Sports commentator Bill Simmons labelled these calls as “ludicrous,” pointing out a significant incident late in the game.

Controversial Foul Calls on Joel Embiid

During the tightly contested game, Embiid was fouled while attempting a three-pointer. The referees awarded him three free throws after ruling that a foul occurred against the Celtics. Even after a review of the play, no further penalties were added. Simmons voiced his strong belief that Embiid benefitted from a controversial officiating decision.

On social media, Simmons expressed his discontent, tweeting, “Nobody gets more ludicrous calls than Embiid—literally no one.” He continued by noting Embiid’s unusual ability to draw fouls, adding a layer of humor to the situation, saying, “It’s hilarious. Never change, NBA.” This observation highlights the ongoing debate about officiating biases in favor of star players like Embiid.

Embiid’s Free Throw Statistics

Joel Embiid has consistently demonstrated a knack for drawing fouls throughout his career. His statistics support this claim:

• 2020-2021 Season: Averaged 10.7 free throw attempts per game (led the league).
• 2021-2022 Season: Averaged 11.8 attempts per game in 68 games.
• 2022-2023 Season: Finished with an average of 11.7 attempts per game, ranking second in the league.
• 2023-2024 Season: Limited to 39 games due to a knee injury, but returned strong for the playoffs.

In the match against the Celtics, Embiid led all players with seven free throw attempts. This amount surpassed his teammates and opponents alike. Despite the focus on free throw opportunities, the Celtics narrowly won the game 109-108, marking their first victory of the NBA Cup and pushing their season record to 3-3.

The Ongoing Debate on Officiating

This game has reignited the discussion about the nature of officiating in the NBA, especially concerning how certain players, like Embiid, tend to attract favorable foul calls. As the league moves forward in the season, it will be critical to monitor how these debates evolve and how they impact player performances and game outcomes.