Joel Embiid was the last player to leave the court at Bercy Arena on Thursday, making his presence known as he celebrated Team USA’s dramatic comeback victory over Serbia in the men’s basketball semifinals of the 2024 Paris Olympics. This win positions the United States for a final showdown against France on Saturday. Embiid embraced the controversy surrounding his choice to represent the U.S. at the Games, a decision that has ignited strong feelings in France.
As music played in the arena, the Philadelphia 76ers star joyfully danced to the rhythm before gesturing towards the crowd, prompting a louder chorus of boos that have characterized his experience during the tournament. With the gold medal on the line against France, Embiid is bracing for an even more intense reception from the home fans.
Embiid’s journey began in Yaounde, Cameroon, where he was born on March 16, 1994. He started playing basketball at the age of 15 and later moved to the U.S., where he became a prominent player at The Rock School in Florida and then at Kansas. The 76ers selected him as the third overall pick in the 2014 NBA Draft, and he has played in Philadelphia ever since.
While Embiid holds U.S. citizenship, he was also granted French citizenship in May 2022, which fueled speculation that he might represent France in the Olympics. He disclosed in September 2022 that he had also become a U.S. citizen, motivated by his family’s connection to the country.
The tension escalated as Embiid opted to play for Team USA, a decision that has not sat well in France. Many anticipated his representation of the French team, especially with the potential for him to play alongside stars like Victor Wembanyama and Rudy Gobert. Former NBA player Boris Diaw noted that Embiid had expressed a desire to play for France, which led officials to expedite his citizenship despite traditional requirements not being met.
Embiid’s choice has prompted sharp criticism from French sports figures. Jean-Pierre Siutat, president of the French Basketball Federation, remarked on the ease with which Embiid could earn an Olympic medal with Team USA. Frederic Weis, a former French national player, expressed strong disdain, even suggesting that Embiid should be stripped of his French citizenship for his choice.
Throughout the Olympics, Embiid has been met with boos from crowds during warmups, introductions, and gameplay, both in Lille and Paris. He responded light-heartedly to the controversy, asserting that he views the boos as a form of respect and motivation, reminiscent of the Philadelphia sports environment.
Despite the negative reception, Embiid has been steadfast in his commitment to Team USA. He acknowledged the complexity of the decision, citing a desire to honor his son, who was born in the U.S., as a significant factor. He has even indicated that he would have considered playing for Cameroon if the country had qualified for the Olympics.
As the gold medal game approaches, Embiid appears ready to relish his role as the antagonist in front of a passionate French crowd. Teammates and Coach Steve Kerr have expressed support for him, emphasizing the camaraderie within the team and the lightheartedness surrounding the situation. Embiid’s performance in the semifinals, where he scored 19 points against Serbia, may serve as a springboard for his next challenge against France in the championship match.
The final against France will take place on August 10, 2024, at 3:30 p.m. ET at the Accor Arena in Paris, with television coverage on NBC.