Joel Embiid crotch chop, explained: USA basketball star breaks out raunchy DX celebration in 2024 Olympics

10-08-2024
3 min read
(Getty Images)

Joel Embiid is the ultimate troll in the NBA.

Whether he's posting on X, beating his assistant coach's kids at video games or celebrating in a game, the one-time MVP has one of the best personalities in the league. Lately, Embiid has borrowed the DX chop from the WWE to show off after big plays.

Embiid has been fined for using the celebration as it's a rather raunch and obscene gesture, but it hasn't stopped him from using it. The 7-footer brought the chop to Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympics, using it late in the second quarter against Brazil in the knockout round.

Here's the video of Embiid celebrating in Paris and some background on the move.

MORE: Why Joel Embiid is getting booed at 2024 Olympics

Joel Embiid DX chop video

Embiid used the signature move late in the second quarter after he finished an and-1 against Brazil. The big man had 14 points at halftime as the United States held a 63-36 lead.

Embiid wasn't given a technical foul for the gesture despite the NBA normally striking down on the move. FIBA referees may have let it slide or they may have just missed it. Either way, Brazil didn't benefit from it whatsoever.

The United States earned the top seed in the knockout round, facing Brazil in the quarterfinals. After defeating Serbia in a thrilling semifinal, the U.S. will play France in the final.

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MORE: Joel Embiid responds to Kevin Durant calling DX chop 'trash'

Where does the DX chop originate from?

The DX chop isn't Embiid's original move despite his constant use of the celebration. It originates from D-Generation X, a tag team in the WWE.

D-Generation X, better known as just DX, popularized the move, which is an obscene celebration directed at opponents. As much as it is a celebration, it's also considered a taunt, which is one of the other reasons why NBA players typically get fined for it.

Anthony Edwards is another player who's used the DX chop before in an NBA game. It just so happens Embiid and Edwards share the court together in Paris, so perhaps they'll get to do the celebration together.

Another one of Embiid's USA teammates, Kevin Durant, once called his celebration "trash."

Here's how Embiid responded:

Embiid truly is one of one.