The NBA has made it clear-there’s a line when it comes to on-court celebrations, and if you cross it, your wallet’s going to feel it. Just ask Joel Embiid.
Back in November 2025, the Sixers’ big man was hit with a $50,000 fine for breaking out the infamous DX Chop celebration during a game. It was a moment that lit up social media and caught the league’s attention for all the wrong reasons. Since then, Embiid’s had to walk a tightrope between bringing the energy and staying within the league’s ever-tightening rules on player conduct.
Fast forward to a recent matchup against the Lakers at Crypto.com Arena. Midway through the third quarter-7:43 on the clock, to be exact-Embiid pulled off a slick and-one play.
You could see it in his body language: he was this close to breaking out the DX Chop again. But then came the pause.
A moment of clarity. That $50K memory kicked in, and Embiid pivoted-literally and figuratively.
Instead of the signature chop, Embiid switched gears and hit a different celebration. Hands at the sides of his head, he launched into a playful, waist-level gesture aimed at his bench. His teammates were ready-they mirrored the move in perfect sync, turning what could’ve been a fine-worthy moment into a team-wide celebration that was both creative and within the rules.
It’s a classic Embiid move: keep the vibe alive without crossing the line. Even under the league’s microscope, he finds a way to inject personality into the game. And with the Sixers navigating a shifting roster landscape, that kind of leadership-on the court and in the locker room-matters more than ever.
Speaking of that shifting roster, Philadelphia made some head-scratching moves at the trade deadline. They sent rookie guard Jared McCain to the Oklahoma City Thunder in exchange for draft picks and moved veteran shooter Eric Gordon to the Memphis Grizzlies for a future pick swap. Not exactly the win-now reinforcements fans were hoping for.
But Embiid isn’t rattled.
“I believe in myself,” he said after the game. “I believe in Tyrese [Maxey].
I believe in everybody in this locker room. The main thing is, I believe in ourselves.
So, no matter what, we’re gonna go out there and compete and still try to win it.”
That’s the kind of mindset you want from your franchise cornerstone. The Sixers are currently sitting sixth in the Eastern Conference with a 29-22 record-not ideal, but very much in the thick of it. And with a matchup against the Phoenix Suns on the horizon, the road doesn’t get any easier.
Still, if Embiid’s play-and his ability to adapt on the fly-is any indication, Philly’s not folding anytime soon.