With his three passports, Joel Embiid was spoiled for choice, and the 2023 MVP therefore chose to wear the United States jersey at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Like Hakeem Olajuwon before him in 1996. Criticized since the announcement of his decision, since he turns his back on his native country, Cameroon, the Sixers pivot justified himself on social networks.
“I am very proud and enthusiastic about this decision. This has not been easy. I am lucky to consider Cameroon, France and the United States as my ‘home’. After talking to my family, I knew I had to choose Team USA.” explains Embiid. “I want to play with my brothers in the NBA. I want to play for my fans, because they have been amazing since the day I got here. But above all, I want to honor my son who was born in the United States. I want my son to know that it was for him that I played my first Olympic Games. »
Decisions made based on his son
For the Sixers pivot, “ since the birth of Arthur (3 years old), all decisions have been made based on the family. My family, my son and the chance to represent a country like the United States. »
On the United States side, we are obviously delighted to have convinced him to join the selection, while there was competition from France and Cameroon. But Grant Hill points out that he has not yet made his selection.
“It’s great for Team USA that Joel Embiid wants to represent the United States”writes Hill in a press release. “Joel and I have had several discussions about his goals and I look forward to continuing that dialogue knowing that one of those goals is to represent the United States next summer in Paris. As I’ve said before, I look forward to beginning the process of designing the 2024 United States men’s national basketball team roster over the coming months. »
The general manager of Team USA will be spoiled for choice since around twenty players have applied for the Olympic Games, starting with LeBron James, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant.
