Paris may be the City of Love, but no love is being shown for Team USA star center Joel Embiid at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
Embiid was rained by boos yet again during Team USA’s victory over Puerto Rico, as the former NBA MVP held the ball for the final possession of the contest and egged the crowd to boo him even louder.
Embiid notoriously turned down opportunities to play for either France – who granted him citizenship in 2022 – or his birth country of Cameroon. The seven-time NBA All-Star instead opted to join the United States Men’s National Basketball Team to the dismay of countless fans.
During the post-game interview, Embiid addressed his decision to join Team USA over his two native countries that have shown just as much if not even more support:
“It was a tough decision, but it was all about comfort level,” Embiid mentioned. “And like I said, I’ve known these guys for a long time, and I just felt more comfortable than knowing the other side. There was some concern with the other side. So like I said, [my] comfort level was huge. I always said, you know, I’m going to be one of one. I want it. And this guy is one of them.”
Embiid finished Saturday’s contest with 15 points on 6-of-14 shooting, three rebounds, two blocks, and a team-high three turnovers in 15 minutes of action. With the win over Puerto Rico, Team USA secured its position as the clear winner of Group C, winning by an average of 24 points per game in the pool play.
For More Team USA, NBA, WNBA, and College Basketball Content:
Follow me on X (formerly Twitter) at @Rexwell14. Also, do not forget to follow us at @HardwoodHeroics for even more great basketball content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in the world of the NBA – especially with all the NBA trade rumors swirling around and NBA free agency news – college basketball, and also the WNBA, click here!
