Anthony Edwards has come to the defense of his USA Basketball teammate Joel Embiid in a unique and spirited manner.
During a press conference at the Olympics, the Minnesota Timberwolves star Edwards addressed the persistent booing of Embiid by French fans throughout the Paris Games.
“I don’t know what is going on,” Edwards remarked, as reported by Jonas Miklovas of BasketNews. “I don’t know why [Embiid] gets booed all the time.”
Upon learning about the history between Embiid and the French national team, Edwards did not hold back his thoughts.
“But you got Wemby [Victor Wembanyama] and Rudy [Gobert],” Edwards said, referring to the French roster. “Why would he play with y’all? Wemby and Rudy, what more do y’all want? You want three 7-footers?”
Embiid, a former NBA MVP, had indeed considered playing for France in the Olympics and even acquired French citizenship prior to the Paris Games. However, he ultimately decided to represent Team USA, which has led to significant backlash from the French camp, including their basketball federation president. Since arriving in France, Embiid has faced continuous jeering from the French crowd.
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Edwards pointed out that France already boasts a formidable frontcourt and suggested that their guard play is where they might be lacking. While Embiid has had a slow start in the Olympics, Edwards believes that his impact would be more pronounced with Team USA, which has only sub-seven-footers Anthony Davis and Bam Adebayo as their other big men.
Despite this, the French fans have shown no signs of letting up on Embiid, who has also addressed the boos earlier in the week.
Embiid’s decision and the subsequent reaction from French fans highlight the passion and intensity surrounding international basketball. The dynamic between players and fans can often add an extra layer of drama to the already high-stakes competition of the Olympic Games.
