Joel Embiid has been the victim of a lot of fan hate throughout the 2024 Olympics, being mocked by American fans for his sub-standard performances and then booed by French fans for not representing their country. After his 19-point outing in USA's win over Serbia, Embiid mocked the French fans booing him by doing the signature 'suck it' taunt before leaving the arena.
Embiid made the decision to represent the USA over France after leading the French association on a possible commitment, even getting a French passport to get the process started. However, Team USA swooped in for his commitment before France got a confirmation, leading to negative feelings on the French side about the decision.
Now, France and the USA will meet in the Gold medal game. It'll be a rabid atmosphere, with fans especially targeting Embiid to try and get the USA to be off their game. Joel has averaged 13.0 points and 4.0 rebounds so far in the Olympics, but just put up 19 points on 8/11 shooting, playing a crucial role in their win over Serbia.
Joel will likely have to deal with Victor Wembanyama as his primary matchup, with Rudy Gobert losing his spot in the rotation over the last two games. Embiid will hope his physical advantage over Wembanyama allows him to bully the 20-year-old on the inside, but Wemby's defensive gravity alone might force Embiid to play a muted offensive role to let his superstar teammates handle scoring the ball.
France Is Not Going To Support Joel Embiid
The reason French fans are so upset with Embiid is because he's a former MVP who turned them down. Embiid is more American than he is French, having spent his entire adult life in the USA, and is a tax-paying citizen of the country. He made it clear before the knockout stages started that his identity is of an American playing for Team USA .
"I’m an American, I play for Team USA."
The incessant boos against Embiid haven't gone unnoticed, with both LeBron James and Anthony Edwards coming to Embiid's support against French fans. Embiid has instigated the fans on-court before as well, so it seems like the center is trying to transform something negative into good-natured fun.
The 'suck it' gestures might come back to haunt him if France pull off an upset in the Gold medal game, but Embiid likely won't regret it. He's already spoken about how his decision ultimately came down to feeling like the USA wanted him while France didn't.
“It was a tough decision, but it is all about comfort level, and as I said, I’ve known these guys (Team USA players) for a long time and I just felt more comfortable than on the other side (France). There was some concern with the other side... The comfort level was huge. I always say I’m going to be where I’m wanted and these guys wanted me.”
What's happened has happened, and we have just one more game of the international basketball season left on our plate. USA vs. France in Paris for the Gold medal might be one of the best international matchups fans will get a chance to watch in years, so it's going to be exciting.
Related: 5 Things We Learned From Team USA’s Victory Over Serbia In 2024 Olympics
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