Joel Embiid’s first major stint with Team USA on the international stage has been marred with troubles. During the exhibition games and his on-court time at the Paris Olympics, his performances have not been noteworthy and MVP-esque. To top it all off, the Center is finding it hard to receive the love and affection of the locals. Jeers and boos erupt from every direction, even if The Process simply makes an appearance. Fortunately, the player has learned to cope with the same and so has Team USA and its boss.

Joel Embiid was excluded from the rotation during the South Sudan game, with his minutes being handed to other players. However, he was present to go up against Puerto Rico and was subject to loud jeers from attendees whenever the ball reached his hands. But Joel has taken all of this in his stride. The Sixer reportedly waved his arms to egg and trigger the crowd further. He has smiled positively as the hate intensity has increased. This was something that Team USA’s head coach Steve Kerr appreciated.

“That’s all you can do is laugh about it,” Kerr earlier said in a statement via AP news. “He’s done a good job just making light of it. And his teammates obviously have his back. It’s all part of it. I’m sure he knew this was coming. And what I like is that after the French fans would boo, you could hear the American fans cheer. So, everybody seems to be having some fun with it.”

Embiid’s DNP-CD (Did not play–coach’s decision) against South Sudan was because Steve Kerr wanted to match the dark horses’ quick pace game. So, Joel did not play, but he was present at the pregame warmups, a sight that the crowd was again not happy to see. However, with the Sixer not really bothering about the crowd, he has clearly shown that the criticism is not getting to his head!

With roots in Cameroon and while holding French citizenship, Joel Embiid decided to represent Team USA in the Olympics. This decision, the player revealed, was made to pay tribute to his son. No matter the motive, that was not something that many French fans agreed with. A major reason behind this may be related to reports that, back in 2021, Embiid had sent a letter to President Emmanuel Macron, in which, he stated, “I, therefore, do not wish to play for any other national team,” except France, promising his commitment. Therefore, with the added irony of the Olympics taking place in France, fans continue to make the ‘betrayal’ known.

Fortunately, Joel Embiid has experience in dealing with this sort of situation. This experience, according to two NFL legends, is what is helping him cope in the highly stressful environment.

Shannon Sharpe and Chad Johnson believe Joel Embiid will remain unfazed

After Team USA’s game against Serbia, Shannon Sharpe and Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson discussed how Embiid’s 11 minutes on the hardwood were filled with boos from the attendees. Whenever the ball was in his hands, Joel was more than guaranteed to be mocked. Having seen this story before, however, Chad believed that Embiid would not be so easily affected. “Being Joel Embiid in general, and at times when he played a certain way in stadiums, he gets booed here in the States, depending on who they’re playing,” he said.

“I’m assuming he’s used to that. He plays in Philly, we know how Philly fans are. Hey listen, so I’m sure he’s used to it. He knows what comes with the territory when he decided to play for Team USA. So, I’m sure it’s not going to bother him at all. If anything, he probably gonna go out there and cut a goddamn rug,” Chad concluded on ‘Nightcap’.

Joel Embiid has been with the Sixers ever since he was drafted, back in 2014. The decade-long journey has come with its ups and downs, bringing both love and hatred from fans. And the Philly locals are some of the most hardcore fans in the NBA. So, unknowingly, many predict that this prepared him to give his best, despite the criticism taking centre stage every time he holds the ball.Before you go, check out this crossover between BG12 and Georgia Bulldogs star Silas Demary Jr.