Joel Embiid ‘disappointed’ with xenophobic comments from Gilbert Arenas suggesting he threw game for ‘African cousins’

Joel Embiid might play for Team USA but is a proud African.

Joel Embiid ‘disappointed’ with xenophobic comments from Gilbert Arenas suggesting he threw game for ‘African cousins’

Joel Embiid disappointed with xenophobic comments from Gilbert Arenas suggesting he almost threw Team USA game for African cousins

When South Sudan almost gave the star-studded Team USA a scare in the pre-Olympics friendly, the entire NBA world erupted. Many were calling out the lack of effort from the multi-millionaires against players who do not even have an indoor court in their country.

Most notable was Gilbert Arenas and his xenophobic comments towards the Africans. Something Joel Embiid did not appreciate. As the Philadelphia 76ers superstar walked into the tunnel, a reporter caught up with him.

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I don't condone it. I'm African first and foremost. I might be playing for Team USA, but I'm Cameroonian. I don't know exactly what he said, so I can't comment. But if it was that negative, it's just disappointing. Because you see what African basketball has done for us to be in this position to be able to make some sort of impact. Like I said, it's really unfortunate especially in the world we live in now, so much negativity.
Joel Embiid said

Joel Embiid came to America as he wanted to develop as a basketball player. But he is an African by birth and did not appreciate the comments by Gilbert Arenas.

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After all, he grew up in Cameroon, picking up a ball to start his romance with the game, only when it was evident his obvious talent did he come to America. He also made it clear that even though he is representing the USA, that does not mean he does not have love for his country and the continent.

So, for Gilbert Arenas to use prejudice was an insult to the entire African continent. Embiid’s comments suggested that the former All-Star should have some been sensitive enough before using the words he used to describe South Sudan.

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Joel Embiid needed a few games to get into rhythm

After the first three pre-Olympics friendlies, most of the NBA world wanted head coach Steve Kerr to place Joel Embiid on the bench. But he reiterated to ESPN’s Brian Windhorst how he gets into the rhythm.

People who watch me know that every season it takes me a couple of games to get going, and this is no different. That's the reason we've got preseason games. I feel like myself and I'm going to keep going and I'm going to be playing at that MVP level I've played for the last five or six seasons.
Joel Embiid said

With his performances in the two games since, he has proved his words were true. Against South Sudan and Germany, the Philadelphia 76ers superstar become a key component for Team USA. He did not have to take the offensive load here. Therefore, he focused on manning the paint and getting his teammates involved.

In yesterday’s game, he led the rest of the superstars in rebounds and assists, suggesting that his role is starting to appear. That of a playmaking big, who can help the rest of his teammates space the floor and create mismatches. Something that should unlock their offense heading into the Olympics.

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