"Joel Embiid foul hunting" - NBA fans lambast 76ers big for whistle baiting during Team USA practice

NBA fans could not believe what Joel Embiid did during Team USA's practice on Sunday. Embiid teamed up with Steph Curry, Devin Booker, Kawhi Leonard and Jrue Holiday in a scrimmage against members of the Select Team. The 2023 MVP baited for a foul, which got people online talking.

In the video below uploaded by Sportskeeda's own Mark Medina, members of Team USA went up against the Select Team. It was an intense game despite being in practice and the competitiveness was through the roof.

Towards the end of the video, the Philadelphia 76ers big man was being guarded by Jalen Duren of the Detroit Pistons and almost lost the basketball. He then got Duren off the floor with a pump fake before bumping into his body, taking the shot and getting the foul call.

NBA fans online were furious with what Joel Embiid did in practice. Some were frustrated that Embiid would bait for fouls even during scrimmage while others were not surprised considering it has been part of his game for several years now.

"Embiid foul hunting in scrimmage," one fan wrote.

"Cannot stand the way Embiid plays basketball," another fan commented.

"I truly don't like watching Embiid's approach to the game of basketball despite how great he is. Foul baiting in a scrimmage game? Enough brother," a fan remarked.

As great as Joel Embiid has been the past few years, fans are not happy with how he uses his body to draw fouls. Embiid is even known for flopping at times and even falling on the floor too easily when drawing calls.

"Embiid drawing fouls even in scrimmages lmao he's too good at it," one fan claimed.

"Floorbid fouling baiting in a scrimmage is nasty," a fan wrote.

"Oh he thinks that's going to be called? Oh USA is screwed," another fan commented.

Embiid might be good a baiting fouls, but the Olympics is played under FIBA rules. It will be more physical and simple touch fouls won't be called unlike in the NBA where players are kind of protected.

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Joel Embiid expecting boos from Paris crowd

Before deciding to play for Team USA, Joel Embiid obtained French citizenship and thought about playing for their national team. There were even rumors that it was a done deal, but the 2023 MVP chose to represent the United States.

With this year's Olympics being held in Paris, France, Embiid is expecting a lot of boos from the crowd. He thinks it will be loud, but won't be as loud as New York Knicks fans inside the Madison Square Garden in the NBA playoffs.

"I don’t think it should be anything, but if it's more than that, I embrace it. I don't think you can get worse than playing in New York in the playoffs," Embiid told The Athletic.