Despite claiming the 2023 MVP award, Joel Embiid is one of the most criticized players in the NBA, due to his increasing habit of “foul-baiting.” As fans continue to rip him for his habits, Embiid has openly admitted to manipulating the whistle, according to Philadelphia 76ers rookie Jared McCain.

Foul-baiting refers to the act of a player intentionally trying to draw a foul while being tightly guarded to force a stoppage or a trip to the free-throw line. Players like Embiid and Brunson do this by falling toward their defenders when taking a shot to force the defender to make contact with them.