Former NBA player Channing Frye is disappointed with Joel Embiid’s debut performance for the USA. And so are the fans. After much speculation, Embiid confirmed his decision to represent the US at the Paris Olympics last year. But as mentioned, his first exhibition game didn’t go as he might have planned. Just 12 minutes into the game, he fouled out. Soon, fans began to hilariously troll the 30-year-old for his mistakes. But Frye was rather tough while pointing out Embiid’s one flaw.

He noted that the 7x NBA All-Star didn’t appear fit and healthy enough. “Joel Embiid is flatout out of shape. Like he can’t move, he has no energy. It’s just like, man, where’s your commitment? You chose to be on Team USA… This could be the greatest competition the USA has ever had,” Fyre said on the Road Trippin podcast, as the cast struggled with the audio issues on the call. 

As per reports, Embiid previously showed interest in playing for the French national team and even sent a letter to express his wish to the French government. He was born in France and speaks fluent French. While neither party confirmed anything on this, the Philadelphia 76ers star was made a naturalized citizen in July 2022.

He was eligible to play for both France and Cameroon. Previously, he also had the opportunity to play in the 2017 FIBA AfroBasket. However, he didn’t participate. This year, Embiid decided to honor his son who was born in the USA. His performance left a lot to be desired, though, as he gets set to visit Paris for the Olympics.

Joel Embiid’s debut for the Team USA

Embiid confessed that declining France’s offer wasn’t an easy decision and he was ready to embrace all the boos in Paris. “I don’t think it should be anything, but if it’s more than that, I embrace it. I don’t think you can get worse than playing in New York in the playoffs,” Embiid said in an interview with The Athletic at Team USA training camp in Las Vegas.

Last night, Embiid had 5 points and 6 rebounds in just 12 minutes of action. That is because the 2023 MVP fouled out. However, it didn’t affect the final result.

After last year’s defeat against Canada at the FIBA Basketball World Cup, Team USA got their revenge with an 88-72 win, thanks to LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Jayson Tatum, and the rest. They will face Australia, Serbia, South Sudan, and Germany over the next 10 days in the USA Basketball Showcase before jetting off to Paris.

Stay tuned for more such updates, and to follow what Shaq’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, has to say about the infamous Shaq-Kobe feud, Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub, and more, watch this video.