Joel Embiid Finds NBA Fans “Worse” as Paris’ Hostility Begins to Irritate USA Basketball

The French crowd refuses to put a full stop to hating Joel Embiid. It all started when the Cameroonian decided to represent the United States when he could play on the French side. He also assured the French President that he would represent France in international games. Regardless, as Team USA ace Group C with a perfect 3-0 record, the French crowd did not hesitate to boo him during the game. The Process has gotten quite used to it at this point, but this wasn’t the worst crowd he’s played against. On the other hand, he had quite a night against Puerto Rico.

Embiid finished the game with 15 points and 3 rebounds, as it certainly was his best so far. Team USA was stumbling in the first quarter, though a dominating second and third quarter set the tone. Now, after such a dominating run, Embiid tried to fire up the crowd in the final seconds of the game. However, he was met with boos and cheers altogether! While the boos were from the French, the cheers were from the American fans. According to Joel Embiid, NBA fans have been worse than what he is going through in Paris.

“I see myself as being blessed and that’s why I interact with them, why I interact with that type of crowd, that type of stuff. I’m blessed to be here. I’ve seen worse. I’ve played in worse environments. Both Gardens. It’s nothing that I haven’t seen before,” said Embiid. Here, he was referring to the Madison Square Garden, home of the Knicks and Boston’s TD Garden. Being a Sixer, Embiid has heard it all in both arenas, especially MSG.

Well, Steve Kerr as well as ANT also defended Embiid from the hate. Now, France already has two big men, and they’re quite impactful. Wembanyama and Rudy have been phenomenal so far in the Olympics. But then why would the French want Embiid to play with them? Anthony Edwards questioned the same and went on to state the Embiid chose the States over France. “But you got Wemby and Rudy; why would he play with y’all? Wemby and Rudy, what more do y’all want? You want three 7-footers?”, said ANT. Not only that, but he also gave a brutal response to the boos saying, “It’s OK. He’s with us. Be mad. We don’t care.”, added Edwards. But how long will this last?

Joel Embiid might have to prepare for the ultimate chants from the French

Of course, there are chances that Team USA will face France in the Olympic playoffs. If that does become a reality, it will definitely be a tough crowd to go up against not only for Embiid but the squad as well. While France couldn’t manage to beat Germany in the Preliminary round, they still have a shot at making it to the Finals. At the end of the day, Embiid’s haters won’t stop the boos, but then again, he’ll have to play through it.

It will be interesting to see whether the French meet the Americans in the Olympic playoffs, as both teams prepare for the Qualifying round. Team USA on the other hand, is hopeful to face Brazil on Tuesday. What are your thoughts on the French crowd booing Embiid? Do you think it will be worse in the playoffs? Let us know in the comments.

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