Why did 76ers star Joel Embiid choose to play for Team USA in the 2024 Olympics in Paris?
There’s been much speculation about where the reigning MVP would play, but the wait is finally over and it appears he’s chosen the “Stars and Stripes.”
Following the disappointing end to their FIBA World Cup run, the Americans had already set their sights on redemption in Paris in 2024. With the 76ers star now part of the team, they’ve taken a significant step in that direction.
76ers Joel Embiid commits to Team USA for the 2024 Olympics
There is likely a fair amount of celebration within the American Olympic organization after reports confirmed on Thursday, that Philadelphia 76ers star Joel Embiid has committed to playing for Team USA at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. It’s worth noting that the 29-year-old who became a United States citizen in September 2022 had also become a French citizen a few months prior to that moment. To that end, it is understood that Embiid was also considering joining the French team next summer.
You may recall that last summer the general manager of the French men’s national team, Boris Diaw, stated that Embiid did in fact want to play for the French, however, he was hindered at the time by a hand injury. As you can imagine, there has been a battle to recruit him ever since, which it appears the United States has now won.
How did Joel Embiid get to this point?
As per reports, Embiid informed Team USA executive director Grant Hill on Thursday morning of his decision, just days after reportedly having a quiet meeting with Hill in Fort Collins, Colorado, where the Sixers are currently preparing for the coming season. A central part of Embiid’s motivation for joining Team USA was said to be his desire to help the team rebound from its fourth-place finish at the recently concluded FIBA World Cup. With Embiid’s inclusion, Team USA is now set to have a visibly older lineup, albeit laden with stars. Indeed, a number of the NBA’s biggest names have expressed their intention to play in Paris next summer including Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, LeBron James, Devin Booker, Jayson Tatum, and Kawhi Leonard. It’s going to be something to see.
But what about France?
It goes without saying that Embiid’s decision to play for the United States was a blow to French ambitions as they prepare to host the Olympics next year. The reigning Olympic silver medalists did not give a good account of themselves in Manila during this past summer’s FIBA World Cup, finishing 18th. On the other hand, they will be able to count on the skill set of the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Victor Wembanyama, who has made it clear that he will be playing for his country in the Olympics.