There is a world where Team USA big man Joel Embiid is playing for France in the 2024 Paris Olympics. This isn’t that world, as Embiid opted to suit up for the United States men’s national basketball squad that has looked dominant thus far in the tournament.
During Saturday’s 104-8 win over Puerto Rico, Embiid was loudly booed by France fans, but he didn’t seem to be bothered by it. After the game, Embiid even said that Philadelphia 76ers fans have been more brutal to him and the Sixers.
“I’ve always loved it,” Embiid said. “At the end of the day, I think a lot of people think it’s hate. I see it as love and respect. If I wasn’t an OK basketball player, I would not receive that type of treatment.
So I see myself as being blessed, and that’s why I interact with them. I interact with that type of crowd and that type of stuff because, like I said, I’m blessed to be here. And I’ve seen worse. I’ve played in worse environments. Both Gardens (Madison Square Garden of the New York Knicks and TD Garden of the Boston Celtics). So it’s nothing that I haven’t seen before.”
Embiid also put up his best game in a Team USA uniform against Puerto Rico, as he finished with 15 points, three rebounds, and two assists while shooting 6/14 from the field.
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