It’s clear as day to every fan who follows Team USA in their Olympic journey that Joel Embiid isn’t liked that much by the French crowd. The audience hasn’t been shy about letting their thoughts about the Cameroon-born American known whenever they get the chance.
If you look at things from a basketball perspective, you’d understand why he chose to play for the Americans rather than suit up for Les Bleus. The fact that Victor Wembanyama and Rudy Gobert are playing in the same squad means there will be no space for him on the starting rotation if he decides to declare for the hosts of the 2024 Games.
However, it’s not like The Process lets the jeers affect him. He publicly admitted that he enjoys the pressure that comes with being a heel in the game.
As if to further drive home his point, he even did something that Philadelphia 76ers fans loved to see in Paris.
Joel Embiid uses D-Generation X celebration during blowout win to Brazil
During Team USA’s systematic 122-87 dismantling of Brazil, the French were relentless with their jeers towards Embiid. Whenever the man touches the ball, the crowd immediately started booing the 30-year-old center.
However, he snapped back at the fans with a taunt of his own—a D-Generation X-style crotch chop that die-hard NBA fans would be very familiar with. The fact that he had Snoop Dogg doing the chop with him made the moment a hundred times more amazing.
Joel Embiid got Snoop Dogg doing the DX Chop pic.twitter.com/SDi3ehQgBX
— Aidan Doc 🧸 (@AidanDoc__) August 6, 2024
He explained the moment and how great it is that he could do the move without getting fined, per a Nick Jungfer piece at Basketball Forever:
“Oh no, they still might find a way [to fine me], but that felt good,” Embiid said with a smile. “It’s good to have fun too, because at the end of the day, you got to take something out of this experience.”
Embiid had a solid game against Brazil, finishing the night with 14 points, seven rebounds, an assist, and a block. He was efficient on the floor, only missing one of his six attempts and sinking every three-point shot he attempted.
With Embiid’s Olympic journey far from over, French fans will have more opportunities to taunt their favorite villain. Meanwhile, the seven-foot big will have plenty of chances to bite back.
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