Joel Embiid, the star Center for the Philadelphia 76ers, has confirmed his commitment to representing the United States at the 2024 Paris Olympics. The decision was made during a meeting with Team USA executive director, Grant Hill. Embiid, who was born in Cameroon and holds dual citizenship with the USA, chose to join Team USA to help improve the team’s performance in international basketball.
Philadelphia 76ers’ star Center, Joel Embiid, 29, is 7-foot-tall and had openly shared his dilemma with the media at Philadelphia’s media day earlier in the week, expressing his contemplation between 3 potential options. Embiid said in a post on X, “I am really proud & excited about this decision. It was not easy. I am blessed to call Cameroon, France, & 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 have been incredible since the day I came here. But most of all, I want to honor my son born in the US. I want my boy to know I played my first Olympics for him,” Embiid continued.
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Embiid reportedly joins NBA superstars LeBron James, Steph Curry, & Kevin Durant, among others, who have expressed interest in playing for Team USA at next year’s Olympics. When told about Embiid’s decision to commit to the US, two-time Olympic gold medalist James said: “Great. It’s big time.”
The 29-year-old Center averaged 33.1 points, 10.2 rebounds, & 4.2 assists last season for the Sixers. He is a six-time All-Star & three-time All-Defensive team selection. Last month, the US was unexpectedly eliminated from the 2023 FIBA World Cup by Germany in the semifinals. The loss marked the second consecutive World Cup that the nation has failed to reach the championship game.
At the Olympics, Team USA has won gold on 16 occasions, including at the last 4 Games. Next year’s showpiece in Paris is scheduled to begin on July 26 and run through August 11.
