Joel Embiid (Images Credit: X/@BenHustle4)
The Philadelphia 76ers started their 2024-25 season with a tough loss, falling to the Milwaukee Bucks by 15 points in their opening night. Without key player Joel Embiid, who was sidelined due to left knee injury management, the 76ers struggled to keep pace, finishing the game 0-1.

Now, the team is looking ahead to their next regular season matchup against the Toronto Raptors. Fans received a glimmer of hope when Embiid was spotted practicing with the team ahead of the game.

While he’s been following a careful recovery plan, Embiid’s appearance on the court sparked excitement and optimism for the 76ers’ upcoming schedule. Interestingly, cameras caught Embiid itching his butt, followed by sniffing his fingers as he threw the ball to the hoop. It looks like Embiid’s hilarious new free-throw routine at practice.

Embiid missed more than half of the previous season’s 82 games, and he sat out all of this season’s preseason games to focus on his health. However, reports suggest he’s been responding well to his individualized recovery plan.

Shaquille O’Neal Calls Out Joel Embiid For Lack Of Aggression

Shaquille O’Neal recently voiced his disappointment with Joel Embiid. On an episode of “The BIG Podcast,” O’Neal didn’t mince words as he criticized Embiid’s attitude going into the season, particularly around his comments on avoiding back-to-back games.

“You have to want to be that guy, and with his statement the other day, I don’t think Joel Embiid wants to be that guy. I actually want him to take it personally. You can’t come out before the season and say, ‘I’m not playing back-to-backs. Soft,” Shaq said.

Joel Embiid (Image Credit: Getty Images)

“I want the smoke. So when he came out and said he’s not playing back-to-backs, I thought, ‘Why are you tired?’ He’s not getting double- or triple-teamed; all he’s doing is pick and pop,” he added.

It’s not the first time that Shaq slammed Embiid for his comment. The former NBA star even infuriated Stephen A. Smith for questioning Embiid’s health and his load management plan.