Embiid’s Olympic adventure is unfolding amidst fluctuating performances and boos from the home crowd whenever he touches the ball, but Joel Embiid did not hold back when asked about his decision to choose Team USA over France.
Joel Embiid likely expected the boos. Choosing Team USA over France, and even his native Cameroon, distanced him from the home crowd’s favor.
At the Pierre Mauroy Stadium, he was met with predictable resentment from the fans, and this treatment is expected to continue in Paris, where the men’s basketball Olympic tournament moves to the knockout stage. At the Bercy Arena, the Sixers star, who has so far delivered unconvincing performances, will likely remain the main target of French fans, disappointed by his decision to reject their team.
In an attempt to explain his choice ahead of the match against Brazil on Tuesday, Embiid finally broke the silence and shared his reasons, perhaps to calm the Parisian fans or simply because he hadn’t had the chance until now.
A Matter of Familiarity
“It was a tough decision,” Embiid explained after yesterday’s win against Puerto Rico, “but in the end, I’ve known these guys [his Team USA teammates] for a long time and I knew I’d feel more comfortable with them.”
Despite efforts from many in France, including the national team’s general manager and former NBA star Boris Diaw, who expedited his French citizenship, and even President Emmanuel Macron, who called him to persuade him to join Les Bleus, Embiid chose familiarity.
“I felt that the other Team USA players wanted me here,” he added. Just a few days ago, he dismissed questions about his nationality by stating, “I am American.”
It’s unlikely that French fans will be satisfied with Embiid’s explanation. If he wants to win gold with the United States, he will have to get used to playing amidst boos and jeers.
