Joel Embiid decided to play for Team USA instead of France or Cameroon in the Olympics, bolstering a lineup filled with NBA stars including LeBron James and Stephen Curry.
Embiid received French citizenship in July 2022 and U.S. citizenship a few months later. He committed to playing for the U.S. in the Olympics in October 2023 for his son.
Embiid said he’s willing to accept fans’ frustration.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
United States’ Joel Embiid warms up before a match against Germany in preparation for the Paris Olympics at the O2 Arena on July 22, 2024 in London. (Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)
“I expect there’s going to be a lot of booing, but I’m actually going to be ecstatic. It’s nothing like we’ve ever seen before,” Embiid said in an interview with The New York Times.
“It makes you feel like you have to work harder to shut them up. There’s nothing better than that. They’re booing you and then you hit a big shot and the whole arena goes quiet. It’s a great feeling. You look around and you’re like, ‘I can’t hear anything anymore, time to go home.'”
U.S. shot put star Ryan Krauser praises team spirit at Paris Olympics: “Let’s cheer for the same uniform”
Joel Embiid of the U.S. Men’s National Team practices at Palais des Sports Marcel Cerdans on July 25, 2024 in Paris. (Garrett W. Elwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
The U.S. men’s Olympic basketball team has already had two big tests in exhibition games in hopes of improving team chemistry before the action begins.
The United States narrowly defeated South Sudan and then edged out Germany over the weekend.
The U.S. will try to win the gold medal on Sunday against Serbia, then face South Sudan again three days later.
Joel Embiid of Team USA speaks to media following a game against Team Germany as part of the 2024 USA Basketball Showcase at the O2 Arena on July 22, 2024 in London. (Ryan Stetz/NBAE via Getty Images)
Click here to get the FOX News app
Before the Olympics begin, James will serve as the men’s flag bearer.
Follow Fox News Digital X’s sports coverage subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
