Joel Embiid will reportedly represent Team USA at the Paris Olympics next summer.
According to multiple reports, Embiid informed Team USA executive director Grant Hill of his decision Thursday morning.
Embiid, a native of Cameroon, had the opportunity to play for either Cameroon, France or the United States — he is a citizen of both France and the U.S. — but per ESPN’s Ramona Shelburne, “he ultimately chose to represent the United States, sources said, because he wants to help the United States return to the top of the international basketball world after it failed to medal at the World Championships in Manila this summer.”
She added, “Sources said Embiid was inspired by the enthusiasm of past MVPs and fellow superstars to compete for the U.S. in the Summer Games, and the opportunity to win a gold medal in front of his 3-year-old son, Arthur, who was born as an American citizen in 2020.”
Embiid’s commitment is a boon for an American team that struggled with larger international teams throughout the World Cup before finishing fourth in the tournament behind Germany, Serbia and Canada.
The 7-foot Embiid, reigning MVP of the NBA, immediately resolves those issues.
In addition to Embiid, multiple American stars have expressed interest in playing for Team USA next summer, per multiple reports, including Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry, Los Angeles Lakers foward LeBron James and Phoenix Suns forward Kevin Durant.