Philadelphia 7ers star and the reigning MVP of 2023 NBA season, Joel Embiid commits to playing for team USA in the 2023 Paris Olympics. The six time All Star had three options and he has made up his final decision of representing USA ahead of Cameroon and France. On Thursday, Embiid spoke to the Team USA executive director of Basketball, Grant Hill.
Grant Hill to reconfirm Joel Embiid’s participation, went to Fort Collins in Philadelphia 76ers training camp where he was seen alongside James Harden. Joel Embiid’s confirmation strengthens team USA’s chance of winning Gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Joel Embiid Explains Why He Chose to Represent USA at Paris Olympics
“My goal is to play in the Olympics. I love all three options. Cameroon, I’m born there, I’m from there and I always want to represent my country. But the goal is also to play in the Olympics,” he said. “If we had a chance, or if we would qualify for the Olympics, that will be an easy decision. But that’s still up in the air [because Cameroon still has to qualify for the 12-team Paris field next July]. And I really do want to play in the Olympics.”
I’m really proud and excited about this decision. It was not easy. I am blessed to call Cameroon, France, and the USA home. After talking to my family, I knew it had to be Team USA. I want to play with my brothers in the league. I want to play for my fans because they’ve been incredible since the day I came here. But most of all, I want to honor my son who was born in the US. I want my boy to know I played my first Olympics for him.
The list of superstars intrested in representing USA has increased in recent times with the most notable names being Golden State Warriors star player Stephen Curry, Former Olympics Gold Medalist Lebron James, two-times final MVP Kevin Durant and the it also incudes a list of other myriad superstars.
The outpouring interest comes from after USA failed to win Gold at the FIBA World Cup for the second consecutive time and team USA wants to prove a point and reassert dominance in the world of basketball on the grandest stages.
