Joel Embiid has a strong message for the fans who have been booing him at the Paris Olympics.
The 30-year-old NBA star has been met with jeers from sections of the crowd every time he touches the basketball during the 2024 Games, largely due to the frustration of French fans who were disappointed by Embiid’s decision to play for Team USA instead of Team France. Despite considering representing France, Embiid ultimately chose to join the U.S. team, a decision that hasn’t sat well with some in Paris.
But Embiid isn’t one to back down in the face of criticism. Speaking to reporters on Friday, August 9, the day after Team USA’s dramatic comeback win over Serbia, the Philadelphia 76ers center addressed the crowd’s reaction head-on.
“I really don’t get why I’m getting so much heat from the fans,” Embiid told reporters. He defended his choice to represent the United States, saying, “Having spent half my life in the U.S. and the other half in Cameroon, it felt like I had two valid options. And I’ve always been clear—if Cameroon had qualified, it would’ve been a no-brainer to play for them.”
In a bold retort to the booing French fans, Embiid made it clear that he wouldn’t be shying away from the hostile environment. “I know myself,” he said. “I’m going to engage with the crowd and have fun with it. If they boo me, I’ll just tell them to suck it. It’s all part of the game, and I’m going to enjoy every bit of it.”
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Embiid also highlighted his personal ties to the U.S. as a significant factor in his decision. “Having my family in the U.S. and knowing the guys on Team USA made it an easy choice for me,” he explained. “A lot of people wanted to create some big storyline around my decision, but for me, it’s all about doing whatever it takes to win the gold.”
Interestingly, Embiid hinted at his future Olympic plans, suggesting that his journey might not end with Team USA. “We’ll see what happens,” he said with a smile. “I don’t know, maybe next time it won’t be with Team USA.”
The tension between Embiid and the French fans seems to stem from a breakdown in communication during his negotiations with Jean-Pierre Siutat, the president of France Basketball. Embiid, who was born in Cameroon and moved to the U.S. at 16, has never lived in France but has family there and speaks fluent French.
According to The Athletic, Siutat claims that Embiid led him to believe he would play for France, prompting efforts to secure French passports for Embiid and his young son, Arthur. Despite obtaining French citizenship in 2022, Embiid ultimately decided to team up with LeBron James and Stephen Curry to represent the U.S., leaving French fans feeling betrayed.
As the Paris Olympics near their climax, all eyes will be on the gold medal game between Team USA and France on Saturday, August 10. The matchup is sure to be electric, with Embiid playing a central role—not just on the court, but also in the ongoing drama surrounding his international basketball journey.
