It takes a tough cookie to survive in the NBA for long. And Joel Embiid needs to turn into one before it’s too late. Not so long ago, the Sixer spent a tense three weeks in Paris, soaking in all the negative comments from the locals and analysts too. Following that, it looks like the Cameroonian baller has to deal with yet another boisterous crowd back home in the US. This time it’s the New York City locals led by their very own hooper! However, netizens stood up for the former MVP this time, giving him rare support.

Joel Embiid turned into public enemy #1 in no time after he decided to play for Team USA, ditching the French team in the recently concluded Olympics. While Joel Embiid had received citizenship in France just for this purpose, the betrayal upset the fans. “Under the pretext that he is a great athlete, he got it. I find it scandalous, I find it embarrassing,” Frederic Weis, a former French hooper said. Nevertheless, The Process seemed unshaken by the hostility, even embracing the hate, as he repeatedly gestured, ‘Give me more’ to the local crowd.

Cut to NYC almost a month after the Gold glory in Paris, the crowd turned antagonistic toward Joel Embiid. In a viral video recorded by the Roommates Show from Central Park, NYC, a giant mob can be seen chanting “F–k Embiid” at Jalen Brunson and Josh Hart, who are sitting on a stage. Looking at the hand gestures, Knicks guard, Josh Hart, certainly seemed enjoying the unruly mob’s chant!

Meanwhile, the Knicks’ centerpiece, Jalen Brunson, seemed uncomfortable as he attempted to bury his face in the shadow of his hand. Notably, it wasn’t just the captain and newly become dad, who didn’t appreciate the crowd’s behavior but also the internet community.

Hoops world stands upright with Joel Embiid, rebounding the shot back at the “Loser a– fan base”

The Knicks fans have showcased their love for their side time and again. Most recently, when Jalen Brunson & Co. dismantled the Sixers in the first round, the sporting world witnessed the vibrant spirit of the Knicks fandom and appreciated it. However, it doesn’t seem to be the case. A fan reacting to the video wrote, “Loser a– fan base lmao.” It certainly isn’t the way to describe a fanbase, but it’s a reaction surely coming from a place of disgust and disappointment by this netizen.

Another fan straight up called for action, as they wrote, “@JoelEmbiid you seeing this? They need to be humbled.” Importantly, the big man has unfinished business at MSG after the Sixers lost 4-2 in the 2024 playoff first round. Despite averaging 33 points and just under 11 rebounds in the series, Embiid couldn’t carry his team past the finish line. Now that they have Paul George, the Philly side has a better chance of defeating the Knicks. Resonating with the idea, a fan wrote, “I pray we see y’all again in the playoffs.” 

This GIF reminded the NBA world of Joel Embiid’s mentality. The big man has come across repeated hate from the crowd. Most recently, the Paris crowd. Nevertheless, the star has come out on top on most occasions. Another fan looked at the video with a humorous touch, as they wrote, “JB putting his head down bc he knows Embiid is gonna flagrant 3 him now lol.” Reminded of Embiid’s aggressive move against Mitchell Robinson during the playoff, this fan predicted the future.

Before leaving, do watch the Dual Threat Show hosted by BG12 where Bulldogs’ Asia Avinger details her experience with Kobe Bryant, her WNBA ROTY picks, and more in the video below.