Joel Embiid and Tyrese Haliburton take sly dig at French fans
Joel Embiid was asked by French fans to return his passport.
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Team USA superstars Joel Embiid and Tyrese Haliburton take sly dig at French fans at Paris Olympics 2024 Opening Ceremony
Team USA basketball finally took to the floats as they made their way around the river Seine. As part of the Opening Ceremony of the Paris Olympics 2024, the American contingent was in great spirits. As they took in the cheers from thousands of fans lined up alongside the river. In the midst of all this, NBA superstars Joel Embiid and Tyrese Haliburton seized the opportunity to respond to a recent troll.
The trolls in question were French fans who yelled at the Philadelphia 76ers superstar as he reached Lille. They wanted him to return his French passport as he decided not to play for the French national team. To this, while on a social media live, the Tyrese Haliburton asked Embiid:
“Hey hey, give your passport back.”
To this the Cameroonian replied:
“I’m American man, American.”
Essentially trolling the French fans for calling the former league MVP out. It goes to show that even his USA teammates are glad that he is a part of this super team in their quest for gold.
Joel Embiid famously decided to represent Team USA in the Paris Olympics as opposed to representing the French or the Cameroonian basketball teams. His logic was that his son and his immediate family have been part of American culture for so long.
But French fans were salty, as they knew he had even sent a letter to French President Emmanuel Macron, showing an intent to play for France. He wanted French citizenship, hence his intent. He did receive it but then decided to play for Team USA in the Olympics.
Joel Embiid’s performance crucial to Team USA’s chances
If there is one player who has a major impact on the team’s performance, it is Joel Embiid. Yes, with the likes of LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and the other superstars, it should not matter. However, Embiid has to man the interior, especially against the likes of Nikola Jokic and Victor Wembanyama.
He not only has to stay sharp offensively, but also active on the defensive end. In the Olympics, international teams use the interior to cause a lot of damage. Which is why, his efforts are crucial to the success of the team.
If Joel Embiid plays to his former MVP self, it will not be difficult for Team USA to get past any of the other teams. That said, he should expect a round of boos from French fans when he is presented with the gold medal at the Paris Olympics 2024.
In case you missed:
- “Hang it in the museum!” – History made as LeBron James becomes first NBA player to bear USA flag at Olympics
- ‘Big 3’ of LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant are in top five of highest paid athletes in Paris Olympics
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Joseph Varghese
(2369 Articles Published)