Joel Embiid Plans to Tell French Fans to 'Suck It' During Gold Medal Game

Joel Embiid finally quieted his growing contingent of Olympic naysayers on Thursday, playing an indispensable role in Team USA's thrilling 95-91 win over Serbia to earn the chance to play for gold.

The final test for the United States? An underdog France team that will have an entire country, let alone arena, passionately rooting for Victor Wembanyama and company as they strive to make Olympic history.

Don't expect Embiid to avoid poking the bear at Bercy Arena, though. The Philadelphia 76ers superstar fully plans to continue antagonizing French faithful with a gold medal on the line Saturday afternoon.

“It’s all about Team USA against France, but I know myself, I’m going to interact myself and I’m going to enjoy it,“ he said, per Joe Vardon and Sam Amick of The Athletic . "They’re going to boo me. I’m going to go back at them and tell ’em to suck it. And so it’s going to be fun.”

Embiid, it bears stressing, was reportedly "joking" while revealing his specific taunt. But his continually light-hearted approach to their frustration probably won't mollify French fans in the gold medal game.

Though born in Cameroon, Embiid retains French citizenship yet chose to play for the United States on the international stage, angering basketball fans across France in the process. They've booed him every time he's touched the ball during the Olympics, and he's actively encouraged it.

But what would be Embiid's ultimate troll of French fans? Winning gold against France on their Paris home turf.

Team USA and France tipoff on Saturday at 2:45 p.m. (EST) from Bercy Arena.

Related: Joel Embiid Blames LeBron James For His 'Doubts' About Team USA