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[Saba Sports News] Anthony Edwards is defending his USA Basketball teammate Joel Embiid in his unique style. Speaking with reporters at the Olympics, the Minnesota Timberwolves star criticized French fans for constantly booing Embiid during the Paris Games.
“I don’t know what is going on,” said Edwards, per Jonas Miklovas of BasketNews. “I don’t know why [Embiid] gets booed all the time.”
When informed about the history between Embiid and the French team, Edwards responded sharply.
“But you got Wemby [Victor Wembanyama] and Rudy [Gobert],” Edwards said. “Why would he play with y’all? Wemby and Rudy, what more do y’all want? You want three 7-footers?”
Embiid had considered playing for France at the Olympics and obtained French citizenship but ultimately chose Team USA, angering many in the French camp. Consequently, Embiid has been booed since arriving in Paris.
Edwards pointed out that France already has a strong frontcourt and lacks guard depth. Although Embiid has struggled initially at the Olympics, he might have a bigger impact on Team USA, which only has Anthony Davis and Bam Adebayo as other big men.
Despite this, French fans continue to boo Embiid, who responded to the jeers earlier this week.