Why is Joel Embiid being booed at the Olympics 2024?

JOEL EMBIID has been facing huge adversity since he arrived in Paris for the 2024 Olympics.

The NBA star and 2023 MVP saw his every touch BOOED by fans at the the Pierre Mauroy Stadium during Team USA’s opening game rout of Serbia.

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The center, 30, will face similar treatment throughout the tournament.

But why?

Why is Joel Embiid being booed at the Olympics 2024?

The booing and partisan crowd in Paris all comes down to Embiid’s decision to commit to Team USA late in 2023.

Embiid was born in Cameroon and lived in the West African country until he moved to the U.S. at age 16.

As a French speaker and with French family members, he was granted citizenship by France in 2022 and many believed he would play for the hosts as he had previously openly expressed an interest.

They said although Embiid was “a foreigner… his naturalization is of exceptional interest.”

Embiid has NEVER lived in France and also never committed to playing for France at the 2024 Olympics .

In the lead up to the Games, there were reports that Embiid and French officials had made a deal for citizenship on the basis that he would play for them during the 2023 Fiba World Cup and at the Olympics.

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“He said, yes, I want to (play), make the paper,” French basketball president Jean-Pierre Siutat said.

“So I make the job, with the help of the government, to get a passport for him and for his son.

“And all the time, he said, ‘I want to play for the national team of France.'”

A spokeseman for Embiid denies such a deal took place and the Philadelphia 76ers star announced he had made the decision to play for Team USA in October, having spoken at length to his family.

Embiid’s son Arthur, 3, was also born in the U.S and playing at the Games is in his honor, he said.

He said at the time: “After talking to my family, I knew it had to be Team USA. I want to play with my brothers in the league.

“I want to play for my fans because they’ve been incredible since the day I came here.

“But most of all, I want to honor my son who was born in the US. I want my boy to know I played my first Olympics for him.”

Despite having lived in the States for around 15 years and having an American passport, Embiid was heckled on arrival in Paris.

One fan is reported to have said: “Give back your passport.

“You should have played for France. You’re not American.”

His every touch was then booed by fans in the 110-84 win over Serbia.

USA Basketball Men's National Team

Players (Name / Number / Position / NBA Team)

• Stephen Curry – 4 – PG – Golden State Warriors
• Anthony Edwards – 5 – SG – Minnesota Timberwolves
• LeBron James – 6 – F – Los Angeles Lakers
• Kevin Durant – 7 – F – Phoenix Suns
• Derrick White – 8 – G – Boston Celtics
• Tyrese Haliburton – 9 – PG – Indiana Pacers
• Jayson Tatum – 10 – F – Boston Celtics
• Joel Embiid – 11 – C – Philadelphia 76ers
• Jrue Holiday – 12 – G – Boston Celtics
• Bam Adebayo – 13 – F/C – Miami Heat
• Anthony Davis – 14 – F/C – Los Angeles Lakers
• Devin Booker – 15 – G – Phoenix Suns

Coaches

• Steve Kerr (Head Coach)
• Mark Few (Assistant)
• Tyronn Lue (Assistant)
• Erik Spoelstra (Assistant)

What has Joel Embiid said about being booed at the Olympics 2024?

In the aftermath of the first game, Embiid – who struggled in the opening game and was subbed out within two minutes – was asked how it felt to be booed while playing.

“Nothing. Like I said I’m an American, I play for Team USA,” Embiid said.

He added: “I’m loving it.

“This is a great setting for me because I am playing with a lot of great players.

“It’s all about finding ways to win — whatever I can do.”