"Typical Joel Embiid": 76ers star faces flak from fans after his elbow forces Brandin Podziemski out of Team USA scrimmage

Golden State Warriors rookie Brandin Podziemski had to exit Team USA practice after getting an elbow from Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid. The national team is prepping to take on the 2024 Paris Olympics and is focused on team scrimmages. The Warriors guard was part of the Team USA Select Team that helps train with the official roster.

Team USA wants to win the gold this year and prove to the world that they are the world champions for a reason. The roster boasts MVPs like Embiid, LeBron James, Steph Curry and Kevin Durant. Other players who make up the team are All-Stars and accomplished veterans.

During one practice session, Embiid got a bit too physical with the Warriors guard as he accidentally elbowed Podziemski in the face. The former Santa Clara guard went down on the floor for a good portion of the play before the game was stopped to address his medical needs.

Watch the video below to see the sequence.

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Fans were quick to react to what happened and shared their thoughts online. Here are some of what the fans had to say about Embiid accidentally elbowing Podz

"Typical Joel, swinging his elbows wildly because he knows he will never be held accountable by the league, USA basketball, or his media sycophants," another fan went on a rant about Embiid.

"Embiid doing Embiid things even when the game doesn’t matter," one fan said.

Other fans were a bit more understanding as they pointed out that it wasn't intentional.

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"It’s clearly not intentional," one fan said.

"Surely the comments on this post of a clear, accidental hit will be civil," another fan shared.

"Ehhh it doesn’t look like tooo much contact that it could be anything serious…" a fan shared.

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Joel Embiid foul baits even in practice

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Most fans are tired of Joel Embiid baiting the defense into fouling him. This strategy from the 2023 MVP has been noticed by fans for quite some time, often causing discussions from fans.

A clip during one of Team USA's scrimmages with the USA Select Team showed how Embiid faked a jump shot, causing his defender to fall for it. The Sixers star tried to create contact and get the foul. Initially, it wasn't called, but his reaction to the no-call made the referee blow the whistle.

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Fans are looking to see how Embiid will play at the 2024 Paris Olympics with the way he often tries to draw fouls.

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