Who would have known Joel Embiid would be public enemy No. 1 in France? But after declining the opportunity to play for the country despite being granted citizenship, he probably expected to receive more jeers than cheers in Paris.
The Philadelphia 76ers star doesn't mind getting booed, though, as he adamantly declared that he is an American . He has also gotten used to it after spending 10 years so far in Philadelphia, whose fans have become notorious for heckling their own players.
"I mean, I play in Philly," Embiid said . "They boo their own guys. Sometimes, it feels like our fans are more against us when they're supposed to be against our opponent. But like I said, it's all love, is all, because they want to push you."
Love-hate relationship with Philly
It is no secret in NBA circles that playing for the Sixers is challenging because of the high expectations the citizens have for the players. Philadelphia's sometimes-hostile behavior toward its athletes is not contained to just the Association; even the city's other major sports teams, namely, the Eagles, Phillies, and Flyers, have gotten the same treatment.
Embiid has experienced it aplenty, especially if the Sixers aren't doing well. Fortunately for Philly fans, the 2023 NBA MVP has embraced it, reiterating that it's "all love" with the supporters.
As the Cameroonian-American (and possibly future ex-French) center pointed out, the Philadelphia faithful just want to see the Sixers succeed. Why they think booing their guys is a good idea is a head-scratcher. However, "Big Jo" appears to have the resilience to withstand that kind of tough love.
Related: Steve Kerr on why Devin Booker has started every game for Team USA: "He's probably been the guy who's been most adaptable"
Failing to silence the French crowd
While Embiid has had no problem with the heckling he has been receiving in France, he has given the crowd no reason to stop. Despite being one of the NBA's brightest stars in recent years, he has looked every bit like the Olympics rookie he is.
In his debut, the seven-time All-Star faltered against Nikola Jokic and Serbia. He put up just four points and two rebounds and was the only American to log a negative plus/minus. In the following game, he couldn't make up for his ugly performance, as he didn't even get a single minute in the South Sudan matchup. Coach Steve Kerr believed the opponent's speed made Embiid unplayable.
The two-time NBA scoring champ had his breakout game in the final leg of the group phase. He recorded 15 points, three rebounds, and two blocks versus Puerto Rico. His "Troel Embiid" persona even made an appearance as he taunted the crowd in the contest's final possession before shooting an airball from halfcourt.
It remains to be seen which version of "The Process" appears in Team USA 's following contests. The stakes will be much higher because a loss would mean no gold medal for the squad in the Paris Olympics. Of course, that's the result the French are hoping for.
Related: "I'm going to be where I'm wanted" - Joel Embiid on why he chose Team USA over France
Local Philadelphia, PA
Most Popular
Comments / 0