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[Saba Sports News] Team USA men’s basketball star Joel Embiid has not been well-received at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
The Philadelphia 76ers center has been booed by French fans every time he takes the court, due to his decision to play for Team USA instead of France.
Asked about the boos after Team USA’s 104-83 win over Puerto Rico, Embiid shrugged them off, saying he’s experienced worse, both from opposing arenas and from his own fans in Philadelphia.
“I’ve seen worse,” Embiid told EuroHoops’ Aris Barkas. “I’ve played in worse environments. … [76ers fans] boo their own guys more than their opponents. Sometimes it feels like our fans are more against us than the opponent.”
Embiid added that he takes the boos as a form of love and respect, similar to the tough love he receives from Philly fans, and uses it as motivation.
However, given his failed attempt to troll the crowd in the final seconds of the Puerto Rico game, the boos might be affecting him more than he admits.