"Gotta take a whiff to lock in" - NBA fans hilariously react to Joel Embiid's questionable FT routine 

Philadelphia 76ers superstar center Joel Embiid made his season debut during Tuesday's 111-99 Emirates NBA Cup East Group A loss to the New York Knicks. The 2023 MVP struggled mightily in front of his home crowd. He also sparked comical online fan reactions after carrying out a questionable free-throw routine.

After missing the first nine games of the season due to a left knee injury and a three-game suspension, Embiid appeared rusty in his return. He tallied 13 points, three rebounds, five assists, one block and one 3-pointer, shooting 2-for-11 (18.2%) over 26 minutes.

While Embiid's poor play garnered criticism, many also took notice of his unorthodox free-throw ritual. During the second quarter, the seven-time All-Star scratched his butt and sniffed his finger before attempting a foul shot.

The clip quickly went viral on social media. Most fans reacted in shock and disgust, while others cracked jokes at Embiid's expense.

"Embiid (is) so f**king nasty," @cjsweet567 said.

"He is a vile human," @Roman199012 wrote.

"Bro gotta take a whiff to lock in," @c___nimbhard said.

"I used to say Embiid was dirty but didn't imagine (he) was this dirty," @LeShoTime wrote.

Meanwhile, others questioned whether the big man was trolling, considering he was on a nationally televised TNT broadcast.

"On live TV? Yeah, (he's) trolling," @ITSDAFANTA said.

"No shame. Bro (is) on national television and everything, LMAO," @Harkirat_Singh3 wrote.

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Shaquille O'Neal calls out Joel Embiid amid lackluster season debut against Knicks

During Joel Embiid's subpar season debut, TNT's Shaquille O'Neal questioned his mentality.

According to the NBA legend, Embiid didn't play with enough aggression after sitting out to begin the season.

"This was the fear I had for Joel Embiid," O'Neal said at halftime. "You announced arrogantly, 'I'm not playing back-to-backs. I'm not injured but I'm sore. I'll come in when I want to come back.' Now, when you say things like that, you're supposed to come back with extra energy."

The big man added that Embiid's entitled mindset will prevent him from winning his first NBA championship.

"The plan that they're having, it's not working," O'Neal said. "And not only that. I say this respectfully. Joel Embiid will never win a championship until he gets his mind and his attitude right."

With Tuesday's loss, the Sixers dropped to 2-8, tied for the NBA's second-worst mark. They continue their homestand on Wednesday against the league-best Cleveland Cavaliers (12-0). However, Embiid could sit out the contest, as it is the second leg of a back-to-back.