“Why would he play with y’all?” Anthony Edwards mocks French fans for booing Joel Embiid at Paris Olympics

Joel Embiid was heavily booed by the French fans ahead of his side's match against South Sudan.

“Why would he play with y’all?” Anthony Edwards mocks French fans for booing Joel Embiid at Paris Olympics

Anthony Edwards and Joel Embiid

Team USA star Joel Embiid has been going through a lot recently. From facing immense criticism for his performances in the exhibition matches to receiving boos at the French Pierre Mauroy Stadium. Before Team USA’s match against South Sudan, the French fans booed Embiid as he decided to play for the USA instead of France. Notably, another basketball star, Anthony Edwards came in support of Embiid and put the French fans in their place.

Edwards, a guard for the Minnesota Timberwolves, is one of the team’s most charismatic players. He provided a humorous explanation for why the 76ers star selected the United States over France. Edwards took a dig at the French fans by asking why would Embiid play for France when they have the likes of Rudy Gobert and Victor Wembanyama in their team.

When the Timberwolves star was informed about Embiid getting booed by the French fans, Anthony Edwards had this to say:

FS Video
I don't know what is going on. I don't know why he gets booed all the time, But you got Wemby and Rudy; why would he play with y'all? Wemby and Rudy, what more do y'all want? You want three 7-footers?
Anthony Edwards to BasketNews

Interestingly, Embiid and Edwards are unfazed by this as they are focused on winning the Gold medal for their nation and their fans. As such, Team USA established a dominant win over South Sudan in their 2nd Olympic matchup and is edging closer to achieving the decorated Gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

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Anthony Edwards receives immense praise for his “mentality” from Steve Kerr

In addition to becoming one of the most entertaining players the NBA saw in 2023–24, Anthony Edwards earned a spot on the USA basketball squad before the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris. Prominently, before heading to the esteemed tournament, Edwards boldly declared himself the “No. 1 option.” It’s interesting to note that, Steve Kerr, the head coach of Team USA, commended him for having a strong mindset.

I want them to bring their very best selves. I love that Anthony Edwards said he's the No. 1 option... I want him to think that way. And I want five, six other guys to feel that way too.
Steve Kerr to a USA basketball reporter

Additionally, Kerr has not yet chosen his starting lineup for Team USA for their upcoming match in the competition’s group round. With so many elite players on the American team, Kerr will undoubtedly struggle with lineup selection.

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