Left out of the rotation against South Sudan, Joel Embiid was back in the starting five for the United States for the game against Puerto Rico. In an easy victory, he compiled 15 points on 6/14 shooting, plus 3 rebounds.
Still copiously booed by the French public, the Sixers pivot decided to have fun with it, taking long seconds, at the end of the match, to ask the fans to boo louder. Which amused his teammates.
“It means a lot” he explained about the support of his teammates, while speaking to the press, in the mixed zone, for the first time in these Olympic Games. “As I said before, it was a tough decision but it's about being comfortable. I've known these guys for a long time and I felt more comfortable on that side.”
But how does he feel about the boos?
“A lot of people see it as hate, but I see it as love and respect.” he assures. “If I wasn't a good player, I wouldn't get this kind of treatment. I feel blessed and that's why I interact with this type of crowd. I've seen worse. I've played in much worse environments than this.”
Especially since in Philadelphia, the fans are particularly invested, and do not hesitate to whistle and boo.
“In Philly, fans boo their own players” he concludes with amusement. “Sometimes you feel like they're more against you than against the opponents. But it's love. They want to push you. It's a bit like this crowd, I like it because it pushes me to play better, to do more, to do what it takes to win.”
Interview conducted in Villeneuve d'Ascq
