The USA team is all set for the Paris Olympics in 2024 after facing much criticism for last year’s loss in the semi-finals against world champion Germany. Several NBA legends like LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant are said to be on the Team USA roster.
According to the updates, Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has committed to play for the USA team in the Paris Olympics. His decision might’ve struck a nerve for the French Basketball Federation President, Jean Pierre Siutat, as he started to take shots at Embiid about his decision.
FFBB president explains real reason behind Joel Embiid’s USA choice
The reigning MVP, Joel Embiid, had the option to play for France in the Olympics, but he decided to choose a different path for his international career as he decided to play for the USA. This decision of his has led to a bombardment of criticism from all the French national team staff and several players.
The president of FFBB, Jean Pierre Siutat, has his own thoughts about Embiid’s decision. Siutat said, “Team USA, with him, who can beat you? Come on, nobody. This is an easy way for him to get an Olympic medal.”
President of the French Basketball Federation, Jean Pierre Siutat, talks about Joel Embiid flip-flopping on his France commitment and joining the USA
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 20, 2024
“Team USA, with him, who can beat you? Come on, nobody. This is an easy way for him to get an Olympic medal.”😬
(Via… pic.twitter.com/RUvcXo6jtX
Another reason for the criticism may be that France had planned to put Victor Wemanyama as a small forward along with Rudy Gobert and Joel Embiid, but their plan got ruined as Embiid went on a different trajectory.
France had planned to start Victor Wembanyama at small forward alongside Joel Embiid and Rudy Gobert before Embiid joined Team USA, per @TheAthletic
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) March 20, 2024
Imagine this frontline 🤯
(Via https://t.co/94q6lxbOID) pic.twitter.com/c76I1CL5f4
NBA fans are furious over FFBB president coming after Joel Embiid
After Siutat shared his opinions on Embiid’s choice, NBA fans lost it over the FFBB president’s ridiculous justification and vented on social media.
One fan said that it is wrong to act like Embiid owes this to their nation, as he never lived in France.
It really rubs me the wrong way the way France is acting like Joel Embiid owed it to the country to represent them
— Sean Barnard (@Sean_Barnard1) March 20, 2024
Joel never lived a day in France and is free to decide what country he wants to represent. Going to be cool to see him on the international stage regardless https://t.co/cLes6gSfWJ
One of the fans mentioned that it’s a privilege and a good opportunity to play with the best of the best, like LeBron, Steph, and KD.
Cry? What other opportunity do you get to play with LeBron, Steph, Kd and the best in the USA?
— PJ (@hoop2baller23) March 20, 2024
One fan just laughed and said that everybody wants an easy win; why would anyone seek a difficult path?
Lmao who doesn’t want an easy win 😭
— Blessing (@bless_gsw) March 20, 2024
Regardless of the opinions of the Frenchmen, Joel Embiid has the freedom to select the country he wishes to represent, and his skills make him a strong candidate to start as a center alongside NBA legends. This demonstrates that Embiid has rightfully earned his position in the league.
