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.

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.