The training camp is over, and now it is time for Team USA to put those skills to the test. Before heading to Paris for the 2024 Summer Olympics, they are currently taking on Canada as part of the first of 5 exhibition games. With the first quarter ending with SGA’s side taking the lead by a 21-14 score, the US is determined to turn the game back in their favor. Unfortunately, if there is one player on whom they cannot depend, it’s turned out to be Joel Embiid for today at least!

The 30-year-old center is currently struggling to score properly, in fact, score anything, for his team. During the early stages of the first quarter, he failed to make any proper three-pointers, not being able to get through their rival’s defense, and failing to connect with shots even when being a little inside the paint! This caused a social media user to take a major dig at the player, insinuating that the Sixer doesn’t know what to do since he has no free throw calls he can use to receive the edge.

As it turned out, not many people were happy with Joel Embiid’s poor performance. Before long, many of them took to social media to make their disappointment heard.

Fans take shots at Joel Embiid from every angle after his abysmal performance

One social media user decided to bring back a few criticisms from the recent NBA season to take a shot at Joel Embiid. They predicted that Joel Embiid would eventually foul out because of his string of fouls and that the referees who allegedly showed ‘favoritism’ towards him in the NBA won’t be there on the international stage.

During the 76ers’ playoff series against the New York Knicks, Joel Embiid was among the players who reportedly stated that the on-court referees were showing a bias. He personally highlighted that the officiating was “unacceptable” and that their inability to give his team a timeout late in the game, and missed foul calls, resulted in a different end outcome.

When it was decided that Game 6 would be officiated by referee Scott Fisher, it was then the Knicks fans who were worried about improper foul calls. In the Olympics, allegations about biased referees may not end up being a thing at all.

Another individual decided to share his reaction in a crooked manner. He highlighted a clip of Joel Embiid’s recent performance, insinuating that the 76ers center is playing as if he received a pass from Caitlin Clark herself. This caused a fan to further say that in such a situation, Joel Embiid wouldn’t have even caught the ball.

Caitlin Clark is slowly shaping up to be the modern-day face of the WNBA. In just a few months, she has impressed analysts with her skills and improved the viewership count and public interest in the women’s side of the sport. Recently, she made headlines against the Washington Mystics after making a quick behind-the-back pass to her teammate NaLyssa Smith. The same swiftness was displayed by LeBron James as he made the quick pass to Joel Embiid. Unfortunately, unlike Smith, Embiid could not connect.

One fan stated that there is no denying that the Team USA roster possesses immense potential. However, he also believed that if there is an odd one out, then it is Joel Embiid.

Team USA did not have a good start to the matchup. Along with being on the other end of a resilient defense by Dwight Powell, Joe Embiid also ended up recording his second foul after plowing over the Canadian star. However, Embiid’s teammates took hold of the matchup during the 2 quarter.

Both Anthony Edwards and Jayson Tatum built up the momentum with 8 points each. LeBron James continued to make dunks, while Stephen Curry kept securing the lead through his iconic buckets. Meanwhile, Joel Embiid went ahead and picked up his third, fourth, and fifth foul. As a result, he was fouled out within 12 minutes.

Amid all the criticism, however, there were still some who were urging others to not give up hope just yet. One social media user assured his counterparts saying, “Joel Embiid is going to be fine on the international stage. Guarantee he has his stretches of games where he looks like the best player in the world. It’s one scrimmage.”

Joel Embiid is, by no account, a bad player. Despite appearing for only 39 regular season games last year, he secured an average score of 34.7 points, 11 rebounds, and 5.6 assists to his name. Along with breaking the 76ers record for most points in a game with his 70-point night. The Center would also score a playoff career-high score of 50, three months later.

Given that this is his first foray on the international stage, Embiid may take some time to get accustomed. Overall, the reactions were quite negative towards Joel Embiid, with a few sympathizers also included in the mix. With the first game not having shaped up to his expectations, it will be determined with time whether the player can make a lasting impact on Team USA or not.

Before leaving, be sure to check out some insights that Shaquille O’Neal’s ex-agent, Leonard Armato, shared about the Lakers legend’s infamous feud with the late Kobe Bryant.