Joel Embiid has emerged as one of the top stars in the modern-day NBA. Although the Philadelphia 76ers superstar is originally from Cameroon, he is representing Team USA in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Embiid's declaration to play for Team USA didn't sit well with many fans, specifically in France. After all, years ago, the 2023 NBA MVP reportedly made a promise to President Jean-Pierre Siutat to play for France.
As a result, every time, the 76ers center gears up in Team USA colors, he is showered with boos by the French crowd. However, the 30-year-old has seemingly blocked the outside noise and focuses on representing America in the Olympics.
"Nothing. I'm an American. I play for Team USA," Embiid stated as per The Athletic .
Embiid has received constant hate
The 76ers star's international career is undoubtedly fascinating, as he had the opportunity to play for three countries. At the end of the day, Embiid seemingly took the easy route by representing an overly talented Team USA at the 2024 Olympics.
The 7x NBA All-Star's decision prompted a raging rant from former basketball player Frederic Weis, among others. Weis urged that Embiid should have been banned from entering France after his controversial move.
"I would take away from him the French nationality, and I would ban him from entering France. You will not play in the Olympics," Weis said. "You will come to the airport with the Team USA, and we will say, 'You don't have the right to enter the territory, go to your home, you are Cameronian. You are American, you are not French, go away.'"
Is Embiid overrated?
Many have expressed their criticism around Embiid in recent years. Sure, he has managed to outshine many players during the regular season, but he has failed to deliver in playoffs a plethora of times.
In fact, fans and analysts are seemingly tired of Embiid being in the same conversation as Denver Nuggets superstar Nikola Jokic. NBA analyst Colin Cowherd recently called out Embiid in light of the Team USA vs. Serbia matchup in Group C.
"Jokic and Embiid on the floor at the same time - it's not close, they're not the same player," Cowherd said. "They're not remotely close to the same level of player. Beyond padding his stats, Philadelphia keeps running players and coaches through him."
To put things into perspective, Embiid had an underwhelming 4-point outing as compared to Jokic, who finished the game with 20 points in a 110-84 loss. At the end of the day, the 76ers star still remains the first-choice center for head coach Steve Kerr despite his clear lack of on-court chemistry with the rest of the team.
Related: "He is the most overhyped, over-discussed player in the NBA" - Cowherd says Embiid doesn't belong in the same big-man tier as Jokic
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