Joel Embiid received a vicious outpour of boos from the French crowd during Saturday's USA-Puerto Rico matchup in the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, and the seven-time All-Star embraced the unwelcoming reception at Stade Pierre-Mauroy.
"A lot of people see it as hate," Embiid said, per Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press. "I see it as love and respect. If I wasn't an OK basketball player, I would not receive that type of treatment. So, I see myself as being blessed and that's why I interact with that type of crowd and that type of stuff. I'm blessed to be here, and I've seen worse. I've played in worse environments. It's nothing I haven't seen before."
Team USA handled its business by defeating Puerto Rico, 104-83, and clinched the No. 1 seed entering the quarterfinals. Embiid scored 15 points on 6-of-14 shooting with three rebounds, two assists and two blocks in just under 23 minutes. But as the clock began winding down in the final seconds of USA's victory, and Embiid had the ball near center court, the thousands of French fans in attendance turned up their volume knobs and amplified their boos. In response, Embiid began instigating the crowd with gestures challenging their boos before taking the trolling a step further by heaving a deep 3-pointer from near half-court distance -- and airballing.
Embiid's embarrassing Stephen Curry impression immediately changed the tone of the crowd, earning the Philadelphia 76ers star his first cheers of regulation. None of the antics came as a surprise to Embiid who chose to play for Team USA instead of Team France -- Embiid was born in Cameroon, but gained French citizenship in 2022. The 30-year-old was just one of the many bright stars who fled toward LeBron James once the NBA's all-time leading scorer announced he'd partake in the Olympic festivities last offseason. Considering Embiid's postseason success doesn't expand very far – he’s never reached the Eastern Conference finals -- it's easy to understand why he'd latch for Gold Medal instead.
"It was a tough decision, but it is all about comfort level, and like 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)," Embiid explained, per Joe Vardon of The Athletic. "... Comfort level was huge. I always say I'm going to be where I'm wanted and these guys wanted me."
Embiid and Team USA will next cross paths with Brazil on Tuesday.
